Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes that the batting duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should continue playing ODIs as long as they are performing consedating their record in the one-day format. Ganguly, reacting to speculations suggesting that the upcoming ODI series in Australia could be the last for the celebrated duo, said he was not aware of any such development.
Rohit and Virat's last international outing came during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 where unbeaten Team India defeated New Zealand in the final at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai to win the final.
"I’m not aware of this, can’t comment on this,” he remarked when asked about the speculation.
Ganguly, however, stressed that performance should be the deciding factor in prolonging their careers.
"It’s difficult to say. Whoever does well will play. If they do well, they should continue. Kohli’s one-day record is phenomenal, even Rohit Sharma’s. Both of them are phenomenal in white-ball cricket,” he said during AWL Agri Business Ltd Event.
After India's Bangladesh tour was postponed the Rohit Sharma-led side are scheduled to travel to Australia for an ODI series, which is scheduled to start from October 19 this will be their first cricket outing since Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with matches scheduled in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney, followed by three home ODIs against South Africa in December.
ALSO READ: Not MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson picks this star as his 'all-time cricketing idol'
The 2026 calendar features ODI series against New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, the West Indies, and another contest against New Zealand.
On the upcoming T20 Asia Cup in Dubai from September 9, Ganguly said the Indian team would be the favourites, coming off a much-needed break after the gruelling five Tests in England.
“They are in the middle of a break. After the IPL, they played five Tests and now they will play the Asia Cup from September 9.
"India are very strong, and if they are strong in red-ball cricket, they are even stronger in white-ball cricket. So, in my opinion, India are favourites, and beating them on those good Dubai wickets will be very tough.”
Asked about Shubman Gill’s prospects as Test captain, Ganguly was in all praise for the young Indian Test skipper: “He’s India’s Test captain, and his future is full of promise,” he said.
Ganguly further said he's all set for a second inning in cricket administration and would file nomination.
"If members wish, will file nomination (for CAB president's post),” added the former BCCI president, who was CAB president from mid-2015 to October 2019.