ODI: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will now be seen playing only in the ODI format for India.
ODI: Indian cricket team’s veteran batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have announced their retirement from T20 International and Test cricket, but both will continue their journey in the ODI format. Both the players have their eyes set on the ODI World Cup to be held in 2027. Meanwhile, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has shared his opinion on the subject. Ganguly believes that it will be challenging for Rohit and Kohli to maintain fitness and ensure a place in the Indian team for the 2027 World Cup.
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ODI: 2023 World Cup defeat and future challenges
Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, India missed out on winning the title in the 2023 ODI World Cup and suffered a defeat against Australia in the final. The next ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027. By that time, Rohit Sharma will be around 40 years old and Virat Kohli will be 38 years old. Both have expressed their desire to participate in this global tournament, but age and fitness will be a big challenge for them.
Ganguly’s opinion: Rohit-Kohli will take the decision themselves
In an interview to news agency K, Sourav Ganguly said, “We have to understand that one day cricket will go away from them, as happens with every player. Playing only 15 matches a year will not be easy.” When Ganguly was asked what advice he would give to Rohit and Kohli, he replied, “I will not give any advice. I think they understand their game well and will decide about their career themselves.”
Ganguly also said that the kind of player Kohli is, it will not be easy to find a player like him. However, he is not worried about Indian cricket after the retirement of these two legends. Ganguly said, I am not worried. Virat is a great player. It will take time to find a replacement, but I am not surprised.