Gautam Gambhir encourages Rohit and Virat to play in the 2027 World Cup
The 37-year-old Rohit Sharma and 35-year-old Virat Kohli have recently bid their retirement from T20 Internationals, but they will continue playing in the Tests and ODI matches.
Upcoming India coach Gautam Gambhir expressed his opinion saying that he believes the experienced and popular #RoKo duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have many seasons of international cricket left to play. Further, he added that their combination is not ruled out and will continue to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027. At the same time, Kris Srikkanth feels that Rohit Sharma won’t be able to play the next World Cup. Let’s find out the opinions of these two legendary former Indian cricketers in detail…
Words of Gautam Gambhir: First Press conference as Indian Team Head Coach
Recently, Gautam Gambhir during his first press conference as Indian cricket team head coach said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have more cricket left to be played. Also, he said that if they both maintain good fitness, they would have the potential to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Here is what Gautam Gambhir exactly said in that press conference:
“Certainly! Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma played their best on the big stage. No matter what, whether it might be the T20 World Cup or the ODI World Cup, according to me, they both have plenty of cricket left for them. We achieved the Champions Trophy and a tour of Australia, and I am sure by this they will be motivated and get the best out of them further. But it is possible if they can maintain their fitness correctly and if they do so, Rohit and Virat will play in the 2027 World Cup.”
Gautam Gambhir spoke the above statement in Mumbai during the Indian team’s journey to Sri Lanka for their forthcoming white-ball series.
Kris Srikkanth feels Rohit Sharma will collapse in the 2027 World Cup
The 1983 World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth feels that Rohit Sharma is an excellent player. At the same time, he feels Rohit will turn 40 after 3 years and a player might not be able to perform well in his 40s. Srikkanth feels that Rohit Sharma might not be able to play in the next World Cup and will surely collapse until and unless he focuses more on his fitness.
Here is what Gautam Gambhir said about Rohit Sharma:
“Definitely! Rohit Sharma is a very good player but the factor to be considered is his age. Rohit is 37 at present and 3 years later for the next upcoming ODI World Cup he will be in his 40s. What I feel is, that a player cannot play well in the World Cup during his 40s. But according to me, Virat Kohli can still play well in the upcoming 2027 World Cup. Whereas Rohit Sharma might faint in South Africa, where the ODI World Cup will be held”
Kris Srikkanth said the above words in a YouTube video where he was in a discussion with his son Anirudha.
Rohit and Virat’s Contribution to the Indian Cricket Team
Not only the spectators, cricket experts, and fans, but also Gautam Gambhir knows well about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s contribution to the Indian cricket team. Gautam clearly knows and understands the scenario that, any decision that he takes regarding Rohit and Virat will affect the individual.
Gambhir further added on saying “It is completely Rohit and Virat’s personal decision, so I cannot comment on this saying how much cricket is left for them. But one thing is for sure if these 2 players can maintain their fitness levels, then definitely they will have plenty of cricket. Also, it is upto them about how much they can contribute to the Indian team further. Because in the end, more than their contribution team’s victory is important.”
Recently, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20I cricket right after India’s glorious victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
For the next 50-over ODI World Cup, which is exactly 3 years from now, we will have to wait for a long time to see the decision regarding this matter. And, the tournament is set to be held in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Ashish Nehra feels happy about Rohit and Virat playing the 2027 ODI World Cup
According to the former Indian pace bowler Ashish Nehra, he feels that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing in the ODI series would be best. Ashish says Virat Kohli is 35 years old and Rohit Sharma is 37 and they both have a good chance to play in the forthcoming 2027 World Cup. Also, Nehra feels that this duo will get more support and become familiar with Gautam Gambhir as Indian head coach.
Conclusion:
Overall, it is a challenge for the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma to maintain the faith Gautam Gambhir has kept in him as well as to prove to Kris Srikkanth that age is just a number for him. Finally, fans have to wait for the next three years to witness the Ro-Ko combination for the next World Cup in 2027.
