Rohit and Kohli Here to Stay: IPL Chief's Bold Declaration Amid Rising Stars

Dhumal believes 'Ro-Ko' is here to stay in the 50-over format and also appreciated Hitman Rohit's batting masterclass in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Australia, during which he was awarded the Player of the Series.

Ro-Ko shook off the rust and lack of rhythm of the first two ODIs, which were lost, launching a full-blown assault on Australian bowlers during a successful chase of 237 runs in the third ODI. The 'Hitman' slammed an unbeaten 121*, while Virat made a return to form with a rock-solid, risk-free 74*.

The icons have raised the first warning sign that they are not yet done for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

"We've been talking about this bench strength of the Indian team for a long, long time. But look at this team, a 14-year-old wonder, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, he's knocking at the door to be part of the team. And then you have these greats like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who people think are going, but they are not going. They are here to stay. And the way Rohit has shown his class in this ODI series, at that age, coming as player of the match in the final match and then player of the series, that shows the kind of conviction that they carry, the kind of hard work that they put in. When it comes to Team India, they will want to give it their best. And that is the true reflection of a sportsman. And my best wishes to both of them. They have done wonderful. They have given their life to Indian cricket," Arun Dhumal exclusively told ANI.

The Australia series was a story that highlighted Rohit's immense grit, determination and match-winning abilities. From overcoming a rusty single-digit score at Perth to grinding it out to produce a valuable 97-ball 73 while not playing his natural at Adelaide to firing a stormy 121* in 125 balls at Sydney, the 'Hitman' experienced it all in this 202-run series and showed the world that he still has his eyes on the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup and all fitness and cricketing goals would be ticked no matter what.

After a successful outing against Australia, Sharma created history on Wednesday as he became the No. 1-ranked player in the ICC Men's ODI Batter Rankings for the first time in his career. Rohit rose two spots and to the top on the back of his superb unbeaten century in the third and final ODI between India and Australia in Sydney, where he led his side to an emphatic nine-wicket triumph in style.

Rohit's efforts saw him overtake Afghanistan's Ibrahim Zadran and India teammate Shubman Gill, claiming the top ranking for batters in ODI cricket for the first time. The 38-year-old had held a spot inside the top 10 for the majority of the last decade.

- ANI