July 22, 2024

Gambhir Backs Rohit And Kohli For The 2027 World Cup – Cricket World Cup

The newly appointed coach of the Indian cricket team believes that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could play a significant role in the team’s World Cup campaign three years from now. He sees their experience and skill as valuable assets for the squad in the 2027 tournament.

Incoming India coach Gautam Gambhir is optimistic about the future of veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He believes that both cricketers, with their vast experience and proven skills, still have significant contributions to make in international cricket. Gambhir has not ruled out the possibility of Sharma and Kohli continuing their careers and being integral parts of the Indian squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2027. His confidence reflects his belief in their enduring talent and the impact they can have on the team over the coming years.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket after India’s triumphant performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last month. Their decision marked the end of a significant era in the game’s shortest format. However, their cricketing journeys are far from over. They will need to wait over two years before returning to the 50-over format, as the next ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will take place in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe in three years. This extended period offers them ample time to rest, re-evaluate, and prepare for a potential comeback to the ODI arena, should they choose to participate.

However, Gautam Gambhir is keen for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play a pivotal role in India’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign scheduled for next year. Despite their recent retirement from T20I cricket, Gambhir envisions them making significant contributions to the team in this prestigious tournament. He believes that if Sharma and Kohli can maintain their high levels of fitness and performance, they have the potential to continue competing at the highest level. Gambhir’s vision includes leveraging their vast experience and leadership qualities, which could be invaluable for India’s success in the Champions Trophy and beyond.

“I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it’s the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup as well,”Gambhir conveyed to reporters on Monday.

“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 (2025) Champions Trophy and a big tour of Australia (at the end of 2024).”

“Obviously, they would be motivated enough. And then, hopefully, if they can keep their fitness, the 2027 (ODI) World Cup as well.”

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli demonstrated their remarkable abilities in 50-over cricket by finishing as the leading run-scorers in last year’s World Cup, underscoring their dominance in the format. Rohit Sharma, in particular, carried his stellar form into the recent T20 World Cup, where he amassed 257 runs. This impressive performance earned him a position just behind Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the run-scorer charts. Their consistent high-level performances in both formats highlight their continued excellence and significant impact on the game.

Gautam Gambhir is acutely aware of the substantial impact that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have had on Indian cricket in recent times. Their contributions have been instrumental in many of the team’s successes, and their leadership and performances have set a high standard. Gambhir acknowledges the weight of their achievements and recognizes that future career decisions will hinge on their individual preferences and circumstances. He respects that, despite their impressive records and influence, the choice to continue or step back from the game is ultimately theirs.

“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,”  he stated.

“But looking at what Virat and Rohit can deliver, I think they still have a lot of cricket (remaining). They’re still world-class players and obviously any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible.”

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