India News – Gautam Gambhir backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to play 2027 ODI World Cup if they can stay fit

We are entering the Gautam Gambhir era of Indian men’s cricket, starting with the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from T20Is after last month’s World Cup, are in the ODI squad, but both are over 35. How long will they stay? Gambhir has left that decision up to the two players themselves, but believes they both “have a lot of cricket left in them” if they can “maintain their fitness”.

“I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it is the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup,” Gambhir said at his first press conference since replacing Rahul Dravid as head coach of the men’s national team. “One thing I can make very clear is that those two guys have a lot of cricket left in them. And more importantly, with the Champions Trophy and a big tour of Australia, they would obviously be motivated enough. And then, hopefully, if they can maintain their fitness, the 2027 World Cup (ODI) as well.”

“But this is a very personal decision. I can’t say how much cricket is left in it. Ultimately it’s up to them, it’s up to the players. How much can they contribute to the success of the team? Because ultimately the team is the most important thing.

“But when I look at what Virat and Rohit can do, I think they still have a lot of cricket to play. They are still world-class players and obviously every team wants to have both of them for as long as possible.”

More to follow…