New Delhi, India
Former Indian spinner Amit Mishra predicted Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's international retirements. During a recent interaction, Mishra -- a veteran of 22 Tests, 36 ODIs and 10 T20Is -- predicted that both Kohli and Rohit will retire 'in another 2-3 years', ruling them out of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The former spinner feels both the stalwarts will end their careers soon because if they don't, the younger crop of players might suffer.
'How else will new players get in?'
On the YouTube show 'Unplugged', Mishra said, "In another 2-3 years. Playing the World Cup [2027] looks tough. He has 3-4 years of cricket left, but for India not much. He will retire and continue playing the IPL. Same with Virat Kohli. As it should be. How else will new players get in? One is 37, the other will turn 36 soon. They'll be 38-39 in the next two years. At max, 40. That's usually how long cricketers play."
Rohit and Kohli, the superstar duo retired from T20Is soon after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup, held in West Indies and the USA, last month. However, they look determined to continue in the longer formats, with many ICC titles up for grabs for India.
India looks destined to qualify for the next WTC final, in June 2025, and will also compete in the 2025 Champions Trophy, to be held in Pakistan in February-March. Hence, the two will look to add to India's ICC titles in the coming years. However, the next edition of the ODI WC is far away and will be too tough for both Rohit and Kohli to continue till then.