Gautam Gambhir, India’s new head coach, has voiced optimism that experienced batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can play until the 2027 World Cup, as long as they stay fit. However, he stated that the final choice is up to the players.
Kohli, 35, and Rohit, 37, withdrew from Twenty20 Internationals following India’s World Cup victory over South Africa in Bridgetown, but they plan to continue playing Test and 50-over cricket. During his first press conference after taking over as head coach of the national team from Rahul Dravid, Gambhir emphasised the duo’s crucial contributions.
Gambhir stated that both players had proved their abilities on major occasions, such as the T20 and 50-over World Cups, and that they still had plenty of cricket left in them. He also mentioned the impending Champions Trophy in 2025 and a huge tour of Australia beginning in November 2024 as events that may excite the team. Nonetheless, he admitted that this was a personal decision for the athletes.
Gambhir’s tenure will formally begin with India’s T20 and ODI series in Sri Lanka, which begin on Saturday in Pallekele. Suryakumar Yadav will captain the T20 side in place of Hardik Pandya, who has just been injured.
