After legendary players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from the shortest format of the game in International cricket, it was like an alarm for the world to cherish whatever time we have left to witness both of them competing at the biggest stage possible. However, they will continue to play in ODIs and Tests, it is not confirmed if Rohit and Virat will be available to represent India or not in the 2027 edition of the ODI World Cup. New Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir made it clear that if they are fit, there's no doubt in their inclusion in the Indian team for the mega tournament. Now Robin Uthappa has given his take on the same matter but he believes it is more about mental fitness rather than physical.
Gautam Gambhir on Rohit, Virat playing 2027 ODI World Cup
Gautam Gambhir believes that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have a lot of cricket left in them and they have time after time proven themselves as the biggest match-winners that any team would want. He said the team has complete faith in their ability and if they maintain their fitness levels then they can definitely play till World Cup 2027 which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
"They have shown what they can deliver on the big stage. Both have a 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," Gautam Gambhir said in the press conference before Team India’s departure for Sri Lanka.
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Robin Uthappa on Rohit, Virat's retirement
In an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak arranged by Sony Sports Network, Robin Uthappa addressed Gambhir's remark on Rohit and Virat playing in the 2027 World Cup. He said both of them have the right to decide when they wanna hang their boots. He said their availability to play the mega tournament once again will mostly depend on their mental fitness along with their desire and intent.
“Yes, it depends. We are no one to question their legacy. The way they have served Indian cricket, I think they deserve the opportunity to control the narrative. I think both Rohit and Virat deserve the opportunity to hang their boots completely when they feel like it. Because they will always operate in the best interest of Indian cricket. So I think as far as One Day World Cup is concerned, if Rohit and Virat will stay fit, there is no question about fitness as far as Virat is concerned. There is no question. I think it's about desire and intent. It is about mental fitness, if they get fatigued or if they burn out, it all depends on that,” said Robin Uthappa.
“They have just won the World Cup, so I think we will give them that time also. They can take it a year at a time. And if they choose not to play until then, then definitely there are players who will take up that mantle. We know the quality of Shubhman Gill and KL Rahul and Yashasi Jaiswal have not played in a T20 World Cup. So those players, we have that caliber. In our country, it's a big blessing that there will never be a lack of high-quality players,” he added.
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