Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's T20I careers concluded on a high when India clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup. Rohit's exceptional batting, culminating in a tournament-high 257 runs, and Kohli's Player of the Match performance of 76 runs, were instrumental in India's title triumph. The duo's emotional celebration, wrapped in the national flag, marked a poignant farewell to the T20I format. However, this iconic moment raises questions about the duo's future in international cricket. Both Rohit, aged 37, and Kohli, approaching 36, would ideally aim for another World Cup triumph. While the possibility of them participating in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa exists, former cricketer Amit Mishra expresses doubts about their involvement due to their advancing age.
Amit Mishra's predicts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's international retirement
Amit Mishra, known for his outspoken views, has made a bold prediction about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's international careers. The veteran leg-spinner believes that the duo is unlikely to be part of the Indian team for the next ODI World Cup. Mishra goes further, suggesting that Rohit and Kohli will retire from international cricket sooner rather than later. He argues that their continued presence in the team could hinder the development of younger players.
"In another 2-3 years. Playing the World Cup [2027] looks tough," Mishra said on Shubhankar Mishra's YouTube show 'Unplugged'.
"He has 3-4 years of cricket left, but for India not much. He will retire and continue playing the IPL. Same with Virat Kohli. As it should be. How else will new players get in? One is 37, the other will turn 36 soon. They'll be 38-39 in the next two years. At max, 40. That's usually how long cricketers play," he added.
Following their T20 World Cup victory and subsequent celebrations in India, Kohli and Rohit have taken some time off. Kohli is currently enjoying a family vacation in London, where he was recently spotted attending a religious gathering with his wife Anushka Sharma. Rohit, on the other hand, has a busier post-World Cup schedule. He made a high-profile appearance at the Wimbledon semifinals before heading to the United States for several events. While there, Rohit addressed speculations about his cricketing future, offering clarity on his plans.
"I just said it. I don't look that far ahead. So clearly, you will be seeing me play for a while," Rohit earlier said said.
Kohli's trophy cabinet vs Rohit's quest
While Virat Kohli boasts a complete set of ICC limited-overs trophies, Rohit Sharma is still chasing the elusive ODI World Cup title. Despite his T20 World Cup triumphs, Rohit has openly expressed his deep desire to lift the ODI World Cup. Rohit and Kohli are likely to take a break from the ODI series against Sri Lanka but will return to action for a demanding Test schedule. This includes home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, followed by a high-stakes tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The next big challenges
The duo has significant opportunities to add to their trophy cabinets in the coming year. The Champions Trophy in Pakistan offers a chance to replicate their 2013 triumph. Additionally, India will strive for their first World Test Championship title, having finished as runners-up in the previous two editions.
The heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final loss still lingers, but Rohit and Kohli will be eager to rewrite the script in the upcoming tournaments.
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