The future of Indian legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ODI format is uncertain, as the duo faces growing speculation about their roles going forward. Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has shared his thoughts, stating that both Rohit and Kohli still have a lot to offer Indian cricket.. He also emphasized the importance of playing elsewhere to maintain match fitness.
Deep Dasgupta: "Only Performance Should Decide Rohit & Kohli’s Future"
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now play only one format, having retired from Test cricket in 2025 and T20Is in 2024. Both are focused on continuing until the 2027 ODI World Cup and are set to feature in the upcoming ODI series in Australia starting this October.. Deep Dasgupta believes no one has the authority to force them into retirement.
“Nobody has got that right. We never told them to start, so we are nobody to tell them when to stop. They stop when they stop. It’s completely up to them. Yes, as far as selection is concerned, we are in a performance-oriented industry. You keep performing, you stay. There are absolutely no two ways about it. I saw recent pictures of him (Rohit), he is looking fit, he is up and running and up for the challenge coming towards him,” he said in an exclusive interview with RevSportz.
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He further added that both veterans still have years left in them. On the topic of their fitness and longevity, Dasgupta said those calling for their retirement might simply be annoyed or envious.
“There is absolutely no two ways about it. I saw recently pictures of him (Rohit), he is looking fit, he is up and running and up for the challenge coming towards him. I personally feel they both have got a few years left in them going forward. And I seriously get a little annoyed when people say, 'Oh, this guy should retire.' I mean, who are we to suggest anything like that?" he added.
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Domestic Tournaments Can Keep Rohit & Kohli World Cup Ready - Dasgupta
Deep Dasgupta also suggested that the veterans could maintain their sharpness by playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and possibly joining domestic 50-over tournaments in England, Australia, or South Africa to stay in rhythm for the 2027 World Cup.
"For example, IPL will be there for two months. Then they will be playing 7-8 ODIs or maybe 8-9. Now between that, you've got the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Then, if they want, they can go and play 50 overs in England. So you have options to keep playing cricket — might not be at the highest level or international, but you still have. I don't know if there is a possibility, maybe go to South Africa or maybe go to Australia and play some 50-over games there. I know, as far as England is concerned, that's definitely an option. I don't know much about the rules involved with South Africa or Australia though, but the bottom line is the hunger. If they are hungry enough, they will find a way," he concluded.
