Gautam Gambhir makes big statement on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirement, says the duo can play till this tournament if they are fit

India’s newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir believes Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli have a lot of cricket left in them. Gambhir has faith in their ability and feels that if they maintain their fitness levels then they can go on and play till World Cup 2027 which will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
 

“They have shown what they can deliver on the big stage. Both have lot of cricket left in them. The Champions Trophy, if they keep their fitness then even the 2027 World Cup. How long they can continue is their personal decision. Looking at what they can deliver, they are still world class and any team would want to have both of them,” Gambhir said in the press conference in Mumbai before Team India’s departure for Sri Lanka.
 

Gambhir on difference of workload for batters and bowlers

While Gambhir understands that Jasprit Bumrah's workload management is important, he feels batters Kohli and Rohit should play every game of the two formats.
 

"I've said it before, workload management for someone like Jasprit (Bumrah) is important. He is one rare bowler, which anyone would want. You want him to play important games. That's why the workload management for not just him but fast bowlers is important,” the former Indian opener said.
 

"If you are a batter, who's batting well, you might as well just play all formats. Rohit and Virat have retired from T20Is now, so they will play two formats from now. Hopefully they are available for most of the games."

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Gambhir on speculations of rift with Kohli

Gambhir opened up on his relationship with Kohli. The two have been involved in verbal spats in the Indian Premier League (IPL). 
 

"Good for the TRP, but my relationship is not public. What kind of a relationship I share with Virat Kohli... I think it's between two mature individuals," Gambhir said.

ALSO READ: 'Very good for the TRPs but my relationship with him is not public': Gautam Gambhir's no-nonsense answer on his on-field spats with Virat Kohli
 

"But at the moment, we're representing India, representing 140 crore Indians and I'm sure we're going to be on the same page and try and make India proud… and will continue to do that. But yes, to make it more public, what kind of a relationship... I think it's between two individuals. I've had a lot of chats with him (Kohli)... we've shared messages.
 

"Sometimes, just because we want headlines, it's not important. Right now, the most important thing is we both are going to be working extremely hard to make India proud. And that's our job."
 

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