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 emphasized on Monday that the decision is entirely up to them. Rohit, aged 37, and his opening partner Kohli, 35, recently retired from Twenty20 Internationals following the team's victory in the World Cup final against South Africa in Bridgetown. However, both will continue to participate in Test and 50-over cricket.
In his first press conference since taking over from Rahul Dravid as the national team's coach this month, Gambhir highlighted the significant contributions the two veterans can still make. "I think they've demonstrated their capabilities 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 about 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 be highly motivated."
Gambhir also mentioned, "Then, hopefully, if they can maintain their fitness, the 2027 World Cup as well. But this is a very personal decision. I can't predict 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, he stressed, "It's the team that's important. But considering 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 starts when India plays three T20 internationals and three ODIs in Sri Lanka beginning on Saturday in Pallekele, with Suryakumar Yadav chosen to lead the side in the shorter format ahead of Hardik Pandya. All-rounder Pandya, 30, who served as Rohit's deputy during India's T20 World Cup victory last month, has faced fitness issues and missed the 50-over World Cup last year due to an ankle injury. "Fitness has been something that he's struggled with," said chief selector Ajit Agarkar. "As selectors, it becomes difficult then. The thought behind it was that we want someone who is likely to be available more."
India's tour of Sri Lanka commences with the first of three Twenty20 internationals on Saturday, and Pandya has reportedly opted out of the three subsequent one-day internationals. Agarkar noted, "He is still a very important player. And that's what we want him to be, those skill sets are hard to find." Agarkar also praised Suryakumar's leadership qualities, stating, "He is one of the best T20 batters in the world. We feel that Surya has all the necessary qualities to be a good captain. We wanted a captain who is likely to play all the games. Suryakumar would remain solely a T20 player," said Agarkar.
