Mumbai, July 22: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have a lot of cricket left in them. They are both world class players and if they can maintain their fitness and deliver at the big stage continuously, they can surely play ICC ODI Men's World Cup 2027.
These words of optimism and support came from Team India's new Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, when he was asked by the media about Rohit and Kohli's future in ODIs.
Gambhir, who succeeded Rahul Dravid as the Head Coach, is known for straight and uncomplicated remarks. Lauding both Rohit and Kohli, he stated that they are both world-class players and any team in the world, would love to have them in their mix, if they are fit and can contribute to the team's success.
But Gambhir however, clarified that it is up to the individual players including Rohit and Kohli, to decide how much and how long they want to play and can continue to perform well for the team's cause. Because it is the team's success, which surely comes first.
But with ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (which would be played in 50-over format) and a long Australia series coming up soon, so Rohit and Kohli would definitely be motivated to continue their fine run for Team India, he added.
Since Rohit and Kohli are already 35 and have bid adieu to the T20 Internationals after India's recent T20 World Cup triumph, Gambhir was asked by a section of press on Sunday about the two veteran players' role in ODIs.
However, Gambhir's clear reply indicated that he would back Rohit and Kohli to keep their fitness and play like champions players. If they are fit and can contribute like as they have done for years, he would be happy to see them play ICC ODI World Cup 2027 as well.
That perhaps is a nice and clear message from the Head Coach regarding the two champions and icon players of Team India.
It can be recalled that Virat Kohli, who led India Under 19 team to lift the World Cup in 2008, was a member of Team India's ODI World Cup 2011 and T20 World Cup 2024 triumphs.
Similarly, Rohit was a member of both the ICC T20 World Cup title wins of Team India in 2007 and 2024.
As a skipper, Rohit ended India's World Cup title drought since 2011 as he led the team to lift the T20 World Cup trophy on June 29, 2024.
