India’s newly-appointed head coach, Gautam Gambhir, expressed strong support for cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, stating their continued importance in India’s ODI and Test teams. Speaking to the press in Mumbai on Monday, Gambhir emphasized that both players have much to offer, and he is confident they will play until the 2027 World Cup.
Gambhir, addressing the media ahead of India’s tour of Sri Lanka, highlighted the significant roles that Kohli and Sharma will play in the upcoming Champions Trophy and the Test series in Australia. He also left open the possibility of their involvement beyond the 2025 season.
“I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it’s the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup. One thing I can be very clear about is that both of those guys have a lot of cricket left in them. More importantly, the Champions Trophy is coming up and with a big tour of Australia, they will be motivated enough. And then hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 World Cup is there,” Gambhir said while addressing the media ahead of India’s tour of Sri Lanka.
“This is a very personal decision. I can’t say how much cricket is left in them. Ultimately, it’s up to them. It’s up to the players (to decide) how much they can contribute to the team’s success. Ultimately, it’s the team that is important. Looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, they have a lot of cricket. They are still world-class. Any team would want both of them for as long as possible,” he added.
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from T20I cricket after securing a victory in the T20 World Cup in Barbados last month. Despite stepping back from T20I matches, both players will remain integral to India’s ODI and Test teams.
Gambhir also highlighted the importance of workload management, particularly for key players like Jasprit Bumrah. He pointed out that Kohli and Sharma, by focusing solely on ODIs and Tests, can better manage their physical demands and be available for crucial matches.
“Workload management for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important. Rohit and Virat are not playing T20s, so they need to be available for most of the important games. For a batter, if he can play good cricket and be in good form, he might as well play all the games. Not just for Jasprit Bumrah, but most of the bowlers, workload management is important,” he said.
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been selected for the 3-match ODI series in Sri Lanka, starting in August. They reportedly agreed to join the squad at Gambhir’s request, showcasing their dedication to the team’s success.
The tour of Sri Lanka, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs, will mark Gambhir’s debut as the head coach of the Indian team. He confirmed on Monday that Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate will join him as assistant coaches, alongside T Dilip and Sairaj Bahutule, for this tour.
In conclusion, the continued presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s ODI and Test teams promises to bring stability and experience, crucial for upcoming international competitions. Their commitment and performance will be vital for India’s success in the forthcoming seasons.
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