'If you give Gambhir a choice...': Ex-India pacer on whether Kohli and Rohit can play until 2027 ODI WC

After India's 2023 ODI World Cup final loss to Australia, in Ahmedabad, many felt Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have ended their run in the mega event. Many also felt they will not be a part of the 2024 T20 World Cup, in West Indies and USA. However, the duo were not only a part of the campaign but played crucial roles to help India win the title, last month in Barbados. Kohli, 35, and Rohit, 37, have managed their workload very well in the recent past, and it has helped in them scoring a bulk of runs. However, the big questions remains: can the two play until 2027 ODI WC?

'Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan will keep making runs and push you'

In this regard, former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra gave an interesting take. Talking on Sports Tak, the veteran said, "It involves both physical and mental aspects. It depends on your passion and motivation and in these aspects, there is no dearth at all when it comes to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It's because of their drive that they have reached where they are today. From here, young guns like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan will keep making runs and push you. For that, you need to keep raising your bar. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have done that and shown."

'If you give Gambhir a choice, he will say 'No Sai Sudharsan, I am ready'

Nehra pointed out, "2027 is far away at this point. But it's great thinking. If you ask me 'I want to be 18 all my life. I didn't want to retire. If you give Gambhir a choice and tell him his body is fit, he will say 'No Sai Sudharsan, I am ready'." He added, "4 years is far away, but it's a great thought. But, if that can be done, nothing like it."

In the last ODI WC, at home, Kohli ended as the top run-getter (765-- most by any in a single edition) whereas captain Rohit amassed 597 runs (second-most).Rohit also ended as the second-highest run-getter in the recently-held T20 WC, where India beat South Africa in the final, with 257 runs whereas Kohli top-scored in the finale with a fine 76 (59). Hence, both continue to be India's key batters. Having retired from T20Is, the duo will look to remain fit and try and play until the 2027 ODI WC. However, it will surely be a stern task.