New Delhi, India

Two stalwarts of Indian Cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, are not done with their careers yet, and if new coach Gautam Gambhir’s words are to be believed, both can play till the next ODI World Cup in 2027, provided they stay fit. Virat and Rohit announced their T20I retirements following the World Cup win in the Americas but were picked in the 15-man ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series, starting July 27.

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Speaking highly of the most successful India pair in the past decade, Gautam said both could continue contributing to the team's success for a few more years. Keeping an eye on the upcoming schedule, including a busy home season followed by five Tests Down Under and then the Champions Trophy in February, Kohli and Rohit have plenty to look forward to and deliver on the big stage.

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"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 as well," Gambhir said during his maiden presser as Team India’s head coach.

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"One thing I can be very clear of is that both those guys have a lot of cricket left in them. More importantly, with the Champions Trophy [in 2025] and a big tour of Australia [in November 2024], obviously, they would be motivated enough. And then, hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 [ODI] World Cup as well,” he continued.

Re-emphasising the importance of cricket being a team sport, Gautam said the decision to stick around till then remains personal to both and that any call made will be looking at the team's benefit. 

"But this is a very personal decision. I can't say how much cricket is left in them. Ultimately, it's up to them as well, it's up to the players. How much can they contribute to the team's success because, ultimately, it's the team that is important.

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"But looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, I think they still have a lot of cricket [left to play]. They're still world-class players, and obviously, any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible,” Gambhir continued.

Workload management

Rohit, 37, Kohli, 35, and Bumrah (Team India’s best bowler across formats) are three key players, and Gambhir believes managing their workload is in the best interest of Indian cricket.

"I've said it before, workload management for someone like Jasprit (Bumrah) is important. He is one rare bowler, which anyone would want. You want him to play important games. That's why the workload management for not just him but fast bowlers is important." 

"If you are a batter, who's batting well, you might as well just play all formats. Rohit and Virat have retired from T20Is now, so they will play two formats from now. Hopefully, they are available for most of the games,” Gambhir said. 

Meanwhile, Gambhir, who replaced Rahul Dravid as the new coach until the next ODI World Cup, will begin his stint with the away Sri Lanka series. 

(With inputs from agencies)