(AFP Photo)
During his inaugural press briefing as the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team on Monday, Gautam Gambhir expressed his confidence in the enduring prowess of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He emphasized that both players possess ample potential to continue contributing to India’s cricketing success, hinting that they could well be part of India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, provided they maintain their fitness levels.
“They have shown what they can deliver on the big stage. Whether it is the T20 World Cup or the ODI World Cup, I think both of them have a lot more cricket left in them. We’ve got the Champions Trophy and a tour of Australia, so they will be motivated. If they keep their fitness, then even the 2027 World Cup,” Gambhir said in Mumbai before Team India’s departure to Sri Lanka for the upcoming white-ball series.
Gautam Gambhir’s assessment of the future prospects of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma quickly gained traction, prompting former India captain and chief selector Kris Srikkanth to weigh in with a significant declaration. Srikkanth affirmed that Kohli’s presence in India’s lineup for the upcoming 50-over pinnacle event is assured.
However, he expressed reservations about Rohit Sharma’s longevity in the sport, citing his upcoming 40th birthday in three years. Srikkanth cautioned that playing at the elite level beyond that age might be challenging, suggesting that Rohit could face physical limitations by the time the next World Cup arrives in South Africa.
“He (Rohit) is a good player, but his age is 37 presently, and the next ODI World Cup is three more years ahead. He will be 40 years old then. You can’t play the World Cup at 40s. Yeah, Virat Kohli could play in the 2027 World Cup, in my opinion, for sure. But for Rohit, Mr. Gambhir, you went overboard; he will faint in South Africa,” he said during a discussion with his son Anirudha on his YouTube channel.
After guiding India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa last month, Rohit Sharma, who recently became only the third Indian captain to clinch an ICC trophy, has announced his retirement from T20Is. Despite this decision, fans can look forward to seeing him back in action next month during India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, commencing on August 2.
Throughout his career, Rohit has consistently expressed his ambition to lead India to ODI World Cup glory. Under his captaincy, India came agonizingly close to claiming the title last year, only to face defeat in the final showdown.
