India's 2011 World Cup winner urges Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to reconsider T20I retirement to win Olympic Gold at LA amidst ODI retirement fear looming large

Former India pacer and part of winning teams of 2011 World Cup and T20 World Cup in 2007 S Sreesanth has urged fans and the media to refrain from speculating about the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

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Varul Chaturvedi

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the frame

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the frame

Highlights:

Sreesanth passionately backed Kohli and Rohit to represent India in the Olympics.

India is all set to clash against the kiwis at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the Champions Trophy 2025 Final.

Former India pacer and part of winning teams of 2011 World Cup and T20 World Cup in 2007 S Sreesanth has urged fans and the media to refrain from speculating about the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Instead, he has expressed his desire to see the two Indian cricketing icons compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and secure a gold medal for the nation. There is a constant fear in the minds of both the cricketers fans that the duo can call it a day after Champions Trophy final on 9th March 2025 too just like they did after winning T20 World Cup 2024 on 29th June 2024. 

Sreesanth's remarks come as Kohli and Rohit continue to be pivotal in India's campaign at the Champions Trophy 2025. The duo played a crucial role in securing a place in the final with a dominant victory over Australia in Dubai on Tuesday.

Since their retirement from T20 internationals after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, discussions about their future in ODIs and Tests have been ongoing. With cricket set to feature in the Olympics in the T20 format, Sreesanth believes the legendary pair should take center stage in Los Angeles, despite both having stepped away from the format.

Sreesanth’s Vision for Kohli and Rohit at the Olympics

Speaking to India Today, Sreesanth passionately backed Kohli and Rohit to represent India in the Olympics.

"Everybody’s talking about Virat and you know Rohit might be retiring. Please let them keep playing. We are going to win the Olympics because there is nothing like an Olympian Virat and Olympian Rohit winning the gold medal for the country," he stated.

 

 

Uncertainty Over Their Olympic Participation

While it remains uncertain whether Kohli and Rohit will return to T20 cricket for the 2028 Olympics, their contributions to Indian cricket remain invaluable. Kohli once again proved his worth with a match-winning 84 against Australia in the semi-final, guiding India to the final. Rohit on the other hand has a 100% win record at the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. 

Team Spirit and Leadership Praised

Apart from advocating for Kohli and Rohit's participation in the Olympics, Sreesanth also lauded the strong camaraderie within the Indian team.

"The best thing about the team right now, I will tell you, is that they are so humble and they are cooperative, and I think the brotherhood we can see on the field. I think that’s the strength of the team," he remarked.

 

 

He also praised head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma for their leadership, attributing the team's success in the Champions Trophy to their combined efforts.

India vs NZ Final

India is all set to clash against the kiwis at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the Champions Trophy 2025 Final. This will mark another final hurdle for India. Rohit Sharma has created history becoming the first captain to lead his country in all the Major ICC tournaments. 

While every Indian Cricket fan would hope that they take back their retirement, LA Olympics still have 3 years left. 

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