India’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka signifies the start of a new era for the team, particularly in the shortest format of the game. This tour will be the first assignment for Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. Additionally, it will mark the first match since the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20 Internationals. Suryakumar Yadav is set to take over as the new captain, leading a fresh-faced team in the three T20I matches scheduled.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future and the 2027 World Cup
Despite their retirement from T20Is, Rohit and Kohli will be back for the three ODIs in Sri Lanka, which came as a bit of a surprise. Their inclusion is particularly notable given the earlier rumors that they might take an extended break before India’s series of Test matches later this year. The duo’s return has sparked discussions about their potential participation in the ODI World Cup 2027, as both players have expressed a desire to continue their careers, provided they maintain their fitness and form.
Ashish Nehra on the possibility of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing till 2027
Former Indian cricketer Ashish Nehra weighed in on the chances of Rohit and Kohli playing until the ODI World Cup 2027. He emphasized that both players possess the passion and motivation necessary to extend their careers.
“It involves both physical and mental aspects. It depends on your passion and motivation and in these aspects, there is no dearth at all when it comes to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It’s because of their drive that they have reached where they are today. From here, young guns like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan will keep making runs and push you. For that, you need to keep raising your bar. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have done that and shown,” Nehra told Sports Tak.
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Nehra acknowledged that while 2027 is a long way off, the prospect of Rohit and Kohli continuing until then is exciting.
“2027 is far away at this point. But it’s great thinking. If you ask me ‘I want to be 18 all my life. I didn’t want to retire. If you give Gambhir a choice and tell him his body is fit, he will say ‘No Sai Sudharsan, I am ready’. Four years is far away, but it’s a great thought. But, if that can be done, nothing like it,” he added.
Fans’ expectations from the star duo
With Rohit and Kohli back for the ODIs, fans are eagerly anticipating strong performances from the star duo. Their presence brings a blend of experience and skill that has been instrumental in India’s success over the years.
As the team transitions under new leadership and coaching, the seasoned campaigners’ ability to perform will be crucial in maintaining India’s competitive edge. Fans are hopeful that Rohit and Kohli will continue to inspire and lead the team to new heights, both in the immediate future and potentially in the 2027 World Cup.
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