The futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to be a huge talking point in the build up to the India vs Australia ODIs. The legendary duo remain active only in ODIs, and will feature in the three-match series Down Under. Rohit and Virat have ambitions to play the 2027 World Cup, but the series in Australia could be their farewell as per rumours.
Could Virat and Rohit retire after the IND vs AUS ODIs?
It is unclear whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be part of India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup. The duo are in the mix and were picked for the Australia series. However, Rohit was replaced as captain by Shubman Gill, suggesting that the veterans have a short rope. Former India coach Anil Kumble hinted that 2 years is a lot of time and they should not think that far ahead.
“Let’s just celebrate the two players on the field. They have done so much for Indian cricket over the years. You don’t know if… yes, in their heads, they have been thinking of 2027 [World Cup], but it’s still a couple of years from now,” Anil Kumble said on JioHotstar during the IND vs WI 2nd Test.
By the time the World Cup rolls out in South Africa, Virat will be 38 and Rohit will be 40. India have an abudance of talent in the wings. Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma are amongst the many who find themselves on the periphery of the ODI XI.
“There are matches; all you need to do is go out there and enjoy, and now that Rohit is no longer the captain, even the burden and responsibility of captaining is not on him. So, it’s just about batting and enjoying every moment that they have on the field. I don’t think they need to think too far ahead in terms of 2027,” Kumble added.
They will know by the end of this series: Shastri on Virat-Rohit
Kumble’s India coaching tenure was sandwiched by that of Ravi Shastri. He regarded that the IND vs AUS series could give a clearer picture to Rohit and Virat on their future.
“They’re part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel and then it’s their call. (It’s) the same thing with Steve Smith (who retired from ODIs in March) from Australia’s point of view. At that age, you’ve got to enjoy it and (you’ve) still got to have the hunger,” Ravi Shastri told reporters at Kayo Sport’s Summer of Cricket launch in Sydney.
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played their last test matches in Australia before announcing their retirement. And while they had their dip in tests, both have reigned supreme in ODIs for a number of years. The duo were central to India’s Champions Trophy success in Dubai and will aim to pick up from where they left off.
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