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Amit Mishra, the former Indian spinner, recently shared his insights regarding the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket. Following their retirement from T20Is after clinching the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Mishra believes that both stalwarts will continue to grace ODI and Test formats for Team India. However, he speculated that their time in the international arena may draw to a close within the next two to three years.
Regarding their participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Mishra made a bold assertion, confidently stating that Virat Kohli will not be part of the Indian squad for that prestigious tournament.
Amit Mishra predicts retirement timelines for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Even recently, Rohit Sharma chose not to outline a definitive timeline for his future in cricket. According to the former spinner, who regards Rohit as his favorite Indian player, the talented batsman may bid farewell to international cricket within two years, potentially after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Mishra indicated that Rohit will likely maintain his presence in the IPL, but asserted confidently that his international career won’t extend beyond 2026. Additionally, Mishra shared his prediction about Virat Kohli, suggesting that the former captain will also retire from international cricket in 2026.
Amit Mishra said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast on YouTube: “Rohit Sharma has two-three years of cricket left, but he will not play in the ODI World Cup in 2027. He will play in the in the IPL. He will retire from international cricket in two years. Most probably after the Champions Trophy 2025. Virat Kohli will also retire at the same time.
They will both retire together from international cricket, and they must retire for the next generation. If they will not retire, then how will the new players come into the team? They are already 35+, and at the time of their retirement, they will be around 39. So, the players play till this age, a maximum of 40.”
Fame and power changed Virat Kohli’s persona; Rohit Sharma remains unchanged: Amit Mishra
Meanwhile, Mishra drew attention to the distinct qualities of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He emphasized Rohit’s enduring approachability, noting that it has remained consistent from their initial meeting to the present day, which has endeared him to his teammates.
In contrast, Mishra observed notable changes in Virat Kohli’s demeanor over time, particularly after assuming India’s captaincy. The former cricketer remarked that fame, authority, and the responsibilities of captaincy have noticeably transformed Kohli throughout his career.
Mishra said on the podcast, “The difference is in nature. Rohit is very open with his players. A very good thing about Rohit is that when I met him for the first time, he was the same as he is now.
Virat changed a lot after gaining fame, power, and captaincy. There was hardly any talk between us. When you get power, you feel everybody is talking to you for a reason.”
