Gautam Gambhir believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can play till Cricket World Cup 2027 if they stay fit. Gautam Gambhir emphasises on player's contribution to the team's success.
Indian cricket is turning a new page as new coach Gautam Gambhir is taking over the team, starting with the tour of Sri Lanka. He praised ODI skipper Rohit Sharma and batter Virat Kohli, stating that the two star cricketers are “still world-class players, and obviously any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible”.
Gambhir also mentioned that these stalwarts have a lot of cricket left in them and can go on to play the 2027 ODI World Cup as well “if they can keep their fitness.” Although Gambhir has backed Rohit and Kohli, the future may turn up a few unexpected events, and it won’t be so hunky-dory for the duo. So, what should the two legends be wary of in the Gambhir era?
Age could catch up with the duo
Rohit Sharma will be 40 when the next ODI World Cup takes place in 2027. In today’s cricket, a player hardly lasts in international cricket till that age. Besides, Rohit is not known for being a fitness freak. Hence, there are definite questions about his commitment to fitness and ability to deliver at the age of 40. Rohit’s form and fitness in this season or next will be crucial to stake a berth in the next World Cup.
However, Kohli has an edge over Rohit in terms of fitness and age. Kohli is known to be a strict disciplinarian in terms of his fitness and diet. He may maintain his prime health and form till the next edition of the World Cup. Kohli will be 38 by 2027 and may still be at the peak of his career, thanks to his great work ethic and focus on fitness.
Gambhir has specifically mentioned that fitness will be the key for the duo to play in the 2027 World Cup. The legends will have to leave no stone unturned to fulfil this requirement. Reportedly, Gambhir had earlier asked Hardik Pandya to play Vijay Hazare Trophy to prove his bowling fitness. Gambhir would not shy away from asking something similar of the two legendary batters if the need arose.
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Only runs will matter
Rohit has been named captain till the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2023-2025 World Test Championship. However, he would be very much aware that only runs from the bat will matter. Not only to keep his captaincy but also his place in the team. So far, Rohit has led from the front in all formats of the game and the ICC tournaments. But in the Gambhir era, Rohit has to make sure he is consistent and delivers the goods both as a player and captain. Being the captain, he may get some leeway for a few games, but consistent failures will see a sword hanging on his head.
The same goes for Kohli as well. Even though Kohli may have mountains of runs in all formats, that does not guarantee him a place in the XI. Consistent run-making to help the team win matches will be the sole criterion to stay in the team. And that would apply to all the India batters in the squad as well.
How long could they play?
Gambhir has put the onus on the players to decide how long they could play. He mentioned the condition, “How much can they contribute to the team's success? Because, ultimately, it's the team that is important.” Hence, as long as RoKo are performing and scoring runs for the team to win matches, Gambhir would leave the two at peace and allow them to take their own call on their future.
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