As India gets ready for their ODI comeback in the forthcoming series against Australia, the future of their batting mainstays, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, continues to get media attention. They only played ODIs at the international level after retiring from T20Is and Test cricket. Many have questioned whether the two can continue their careers until 2027, when they will be getting close to 40, as that is when the next World Cup is slated to take place.
Former India batsman and wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta vehemently defended Rohit and Kohli, stating that no one has the right to decide when the greats should retire.
“Nobody is correct about that. We have no authority to tell them when to quit because we never told them to begin. When they quit, they stop. They have total control over it. Indeed, our industry is performance-oriented in terms of selection. You stay and you continue to perform. There are no two ways about it at all. In an exclusive interview with RevSportz, he stated, “I recently saw pictures of him (Rohit), and he looks fit, up and running, and up for the challenge coming towards him.”
In my opinion, they both have a few years left: Dasgupta Deep
Dasgupta noted that both athletes still have a lot to contribute and have kept up their level of fitness and enthusiasm for the game.
“Yes, our industry is performance-oriented when it comes to selection. You stay and you continue to perform. There are no two ways about it at all. I recently saw photos of Rohit, and he appears to be in good shape, ready for any battle that comes his way. From my perspective, they each have a few years left to live. ‘Oh, this guy should retire’ is something that really irritates me. Who are we to make such a suggestion, after all? He went on.
The small amount of ODI matches on the calendar is one of the biggest obstacles Rohit and Kohli may have to overcome in the upcoming years. The two could seek beyond international cricket to keep match-fit, according to Dasgupta, as Tests and T20s are dominating the format.
“The IPL, for instance, will be there for two months. They will then play 7-8 or possibly 8-9 ODIs. In addition, you have the Vijay Hazare Trophy. They can then travel to England to play 50 overs if they so choose. Even if you might not be playing at the highest level or internationally, you still have possibilities if you want to continue playing cricket.
I’m not sure whether it’s possible, but you could travel to Australia or South Africa and play some 50-over matches there. I am aware that’s undoubtedly a possibility from the perspective of England. The main issue is hunger, although I’m not too familiar with the regulations in South Africa or Australia. He came to the conclusion that they will find a way if they are sufficiently hungry.
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