‘Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma can play till 2027 WC’

Mumbai, July 22

India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir believes veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can both continue playing until the 2027 World Cup if they remain fit but said that the decision was entirely up to them. Rohit, 37, and Kohli, 35, quit T20Is last month but both men will continue to play Tests and ODIs.

Speaking in his first press conference since replacing Rahul Dravid at the helm of the national team this month, Gambhir said the two stalwarts still had plenty to offer.

“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 (from November 2024), obviously they would be motivated enough,” Gambhir said. “Then, hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 World Cup as well.”

Gambhir said he expects Rohit and Kohli to be available for most of the ODIs and Tests. “Workload management for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important. For a batter, if they can play consistently, if they’re in good form, might as well just play all the games,” he said. “With Rohit and Virat not playing T20 cricket, we only have two formats to look after. I’m sure they’re going to be available for most of the games,” he added.

My relationship with Kohli personal: Gambhir

Gambhir declared that his much talked about relationship with Kohli “is between the two of us”, asserting that they are going to be “on the same page” in the coming times. “Good for the TRP, but my relationship is not public. What kind of a relationship I share with Virat Kohli… I think it’s between two mature individuals,” Gambhir said.

Meanwhile, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said that fitness, feedback from the dressing room and consistent availability swung the pendulum in Suryakumar Yadav’s favour when it was decided to appoint him captain of the T20 team ahead of Hardik Pandya. “He is one of the deserving candidates,” he said.