Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have returned to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa. The series carries added importance for the senior duo, with growing attention on their long-term future in the format. With the 2027 World Cup still more than 18 months away, Gautam Gambhir’s India is looking to build a stable core, and Rohit and Kohli’s performances in the upcoming ODIs could play a key role in deciding whether they remain part of those plans.

Ahead of the opening match on Sunday, a new photo of Rohit Sharma has gone viral on social media. The India captain appears noticeably leaner compared to his previous seasons. After IPL 2025, Rohit dedicated himself to improving his fitness, and the results were already visible during the tour of Australia. His latest picture has sparked discussions online, with many fans calling him one of the fittest players in the world, even drawing comparisons with Virat Kohli, long regarded as the benchmark for fitness in the Indian team.

Once the South Africa series concludes, the BCCI selectors are expected to meet the team management to discuss the road ahead for the two stalwarts.

Meanwhile, Rohit is on the verge of achieving a major milestone. The former India captain is just 98 runs away from becoming the fourth Indian batter to score 20,000 international runs. He will join a prestigious list featuring Sachin Tendulkar (34,357 runs), Virat Kohli (27,673 runs), and Rahul Dravid (24,064 runs).

Rohit currently has 19,902 international runs in 502 matches, including 4,301 in Tests, 11,370 in ODIs, and 4,231 in T20Is. After retiring from T20Is post the 2024 World Cup and stepping away from Test cricket in May, he now features only in the ODI format. Following the South Africa tour, he is likely to be part of the home series against New Zealand.

Rohit enters the South Africa ODIs in strong form, coming off an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls against Australia in Sydney, a knock that helped India secure a consolation win after trailing 2–0 in the series. His century included 13 fours and 3 sixes, underlining both his touch and his hunger to contribute in the format he continues to lead.