India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed the veteran duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to keep delivering for the Indian team. Gambhir feels both of them still have a lot to offer to Indian cricket. The pair recently retired from T20Is after leading India to T20 World Cup glory.
While Rohit Sharma scored 257 runs in eight matches of the T20 World Cup 2024 at an average of 36.71 and a strike rate of 156.71, Kohli scored a vital knock of 76 runs off 59 balls in the all-important final against the Proteas after a disappointing run throughout the tournament. Thus, the duo once again played an instrumental role in taking India to glory.
Rohit Sharma finished his T20I career as the leading run-getter in the format, with 4231 runs in 159 matches. Virat Kohli scored 4188 runs in 125 T20I matches at an average of 48.7 and a strike rate of 137.04.
Gambhir reckons Kohli and Rohit could play till the 2027 ODI World Cup if they are able to maintain their fitness.
“I think they’ve shown what they can deliver on the big stage whether it was the T20 World Cup and in the 50 over World cup as well. I think both those guys have got a lot of cricket left in them and more importantly with the Champions Trophy and a big tour of Australia, obviously they would be motivated enough and then hopefully they can keep their fitness till the 2027 World Cup as well,” Gambhir said in a press conference in Mumbai.
Gambhir added retiring will be Rohit and Virat’s personal decision but he will want them to play as long as possible.
“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. But looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, I think they still have a lot of cricket and they’re still world-class players and obviously any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible,” he added.
Meanwhile, when Gambhir’s name was linked with India’s head coach role, many raised concerns because of the former opener’s relationship with Kohli. However, Gambhir has squashed any such concerns, stating both of them will be professional
“My relationship with Virat Kohli is not for TRP. At the moment, we are representing India, we are representing 140 crore Indians. We have an excellent relationship with him off the field. But, it’s not for the public. It’s not important how many chats I’ve had with him during or after the game. He is a thorough professional, a world class athlete, and hopefully he will continue that way,” Gambhir said in the same press conference.
India will take on Sri Lanka in three ODIs and as many T20Is, which will be Gambhir’s maiden assignment.
