NEW DELHI: India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir believes veteran batsman Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can continue to play till the 2027 World Cup if they remain fit, but on Monday said the decision was purely theirs.
Rohit, 37, and his opening partner Kohli, 35, retired from T20Is last month following the team’s World Cup final victory against South Africa in Bridgetown, but both men will continue to play Test and 50-over cricket.
In his first press conference since replacing Rahul Dravid at the helm of the national team this month, Gambhir said the two stalwarts still have a lot to offer.
“I think they have shown what they can do on a big stage, be it the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup,” Gambhir told reporters.
“One thing I can be absolutely clear about is that there is a lot of cricket left in both of those guys. More importantly, with the Champions Trophy (in 2025) and a major tour of Australia (from November 2024), they would obviously have plenty of motivation.
“Hopefully, if he stays fit, then the World Cup in 2027. But this is a very personal decision. I can’t tell how much cricket is left in them. In the end, it’s up to the players. How much they can contribute to the team’s success.
“At the end of the day, it’s the team that matters. But looking at what Virat and Rohit can do, I think they still have a lot of cricket left. They’re world-class players and any team would want to have them both for as long as possible.”
Gambhir’s tenure officially begins when India play three T20Is and three ODIs in Sri Lanka, starting in Pallekele on Saturday. Suryakumar Yadav was selected to lead the side in the shorter format, ahead of Hardik Pandya.
Pandya has had his share of injury problems in recent months and chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that while the all-rounder was an important player, the team needed someone who was likely to be available more often than not.
“I hope his performances are more important than anything else,” Agarkar said. “Surya has all the qualities needed to succeed as a captain.
