India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, believes that veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can continue playing until the 2027 World Cup if they remain fit, but he emphasized that the decision is entirely up to them.
Rohit, 37, and his opening partner Kohli, 35, recently retired from Twenty20 Internationals after the team’s World Cup victory against South Africa in Bridgetown, but both will continue to play Test and 50-over cricket. Speaking at his first press conference since replacing Rahul Dravid as head coach, Gambhir expressed confidence in the two stalwarts’ ability to contribute significantly.
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“I think they’ve shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it’s the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup,” Gambhir told reporters. “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), they would obviously be motivated enough.
“Then, hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 World Cup as well. But this is a very personal decision. I can’t say how much cricket is left in them. Ultimately it’s up to the players. How much can they contribute to the team’s success. Ultimately, it’s the team that’s important. But looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, I think they still have a lot of cricket. They’re world-class players, and any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible.”
Gambhir’s tenure officially begins when India plays three T20 internationals and three ODIs in Sri Lanka starting on Saturday in Pallekele, with Suryakumar Yadav picked to lead the side in the shorter format ahead of Hardik Pandya.
Pandya has had his share of injury issues in recent months, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned that while the all-rounder is an important player, the team needed someone who was likely to be available more often than not.
