Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Two names that define an entire era of Indian cricket. Having already stepped away from T20 Internationals and Test matches, the duo now stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the twilight of their illustrious careers, focusing exclusively on the 50-over format.
Rohit Sharma is about to turn 40 soon. Virat Kohli is right behind him, turning 38 in a few months. At this age, most cricketers call it a day and start doing commentary. But Rohit and Virat haven’t done that. They still hit the nets, putting in the same effort as teammates half their age. After finishing their Test and T20I careers, they now have the 50-over format left and want to keep playing ODIs, eyeing the 2027 World Cup as their final target.
The road to next year’s major tournament, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, goes through Thiruvananthapuram, where India will play the West Indies on Sunday at the Greenfield International Stadium. Kohli, the scorer of 54 ODI centuries, has mentioned that next year’s World Cup will mark the end of his career for India, and he is completely ready to leave nothing behind in his final quest for the trophy.
Virat Kohli told JioStar, “As far as I am concerned, this is my final World Cup playing for India.
Virat Kohli told JioStar, “As far as I am concerned, this is my final World Cup playing for India.” He stated, “The sole objective is to win the World Cup, and I am completely ready to do whatever it takes for that.” Two months ago, Rohit put retirement rumours to rest with a brilliant 138-run knock in the third ODI against England at Lord’s. Looking at Rohit and Virat, it doesn’t feel as though two cricketers are fading, but rather like two artists who refuse to lose their brilliance.
Just like Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Jagger possessed the theatre and swagger. Richards was riff and rhythm. They are the iconic Rolling Stones. Virat Kohli is the Mick Jagger, with his intensity. Rohit is calm and languid. For two decades, they shared a dressing room and saw many highs and lows. Even so, their differences are what make their partnership fascinating.
Much like an artist selecting their final canvas, Rohit and Virat Kohli have settled on the ODI format. This format is lengthy enough to draw on experience, while also being challenging enough to test their fitness and stamina. Concentrating on a single format turns every upcoming ODI until the 2027 World Cup into a thrilling event, with India scheduled to play a minimum of 25 ODIs in the interim.
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel admitted that the team is lucky to have his experience. “It is always great to welcome that experience back into the squad to help guide Shubman (Gill).” Rohit and Virat will also pass on their knowledge to newcomers Naman Dhir and Aquib Nabi. Regarding their chemistry, Morkel remarked, “When Virat and Rohit drive the discussion, it brings immense experience that proves extremely valuable to the squad.”
Sunday’s fixture in Thiruvananthapuram is more than just a routine match on the schedule, and Rohit and Virat are anticipated to deliver a stellar display.
