Two of cricket’s modern-day greats, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have etched their names into the annals of the sport with countless memorable performances. However, with both players now in the twilight of their illustrious careers, speculation has been rife about how much longer they will continue to don the Indian jersey. As the duo has already announced their retirements from the shortest format, it would be interesting to see how much more these legends have left to offer and will they appear in the ODI World Cup 2027.
Gautam Gambhir gives update on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future
Newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, in his first press conference since taking over from Rahul Dravid, provided a crucial update on the future of Rohit and Virat in the Indian cricket team. Gambhir emphasized that both players have a significant amount of cricket left in them, particularly with key tournaments like the Champions Trophy in 2025 and a major tour of Australia in November 2024 on the horizon.
The former Indian opener also highlighted that while the decision ultimately rests with the players, their contributions are vital for the team’s success. He expressed confidence in their ability to continue performing at the highest level, given their world-class status and importance to the team.
“I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it’s the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup as well. One thing I can be very clear of is that both those guys have a lot of cricket left in them. More importantly, with the Champions Trophy [in 2025] and a big tour of Australia [in November 2024], obviously they would be motivated enough. And then, hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 [ODI] World Cup as well,” Gambhir remarked in the presser.
“But this is a very personal decision. I can’t say how much cricket is left in them. Ultimately, it’s up to them as well, it’s up to the players. How much can they contribute to the team’s success. Because, ultimately, it’s the team that is important. But looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, I think they still have a lot of cricket [left to play]. They’re still world-class players and obviously any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible,” added Gambhir.
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Upcoming tour of Sri Lanka
Cricket fans will soon have the opportunity to witness the legendary batting duo in action once more during the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. This tour will not only be a chance for Rohit and Kohli to showcase their enduring skills but also an opportunity for the team to prepare for future challenges with their experienced campaigners leading the way.
Looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup
As the cricketing world looks ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, fans remain hopeful that Rohit and Kohli will continue to be a part of the Indian squad. Their presence and experience would be invaluable assets as India will aim to reclaim cricket’s most prestigious trophy. While their future participation depends on various factors, including fitness and personal decisions, the prospect of seeing these two giants of the game in another World Cup is an exciting one for cricket enthusiasts around the globe.
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