Gambhir foresees the presence of Kohli & Sharma duo till the next World-Cup in 2027, if they remain fit!

India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has supported veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup, provided they can maintain their fitness

India’s new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has supported veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup, provided they can maintain their fitness. In his inaugural press conference after succeeding Rahul Dravid, Gambhir highlighted the duo’s experience and contributions to the team. Rohit Sharma, 37, and Virat Kohli, 35, have recently retired from T20 Internationals but will continue participating in Tests and ODIs. Gambhir emphasized their performances in major tournaments like the T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup as evidence of their enduring capabilities. “I think they’ve shown what they can deliver on the big stage,” Gambhir said. He noted their potential contributions to upcoming events, such as the Champions Trophy in 2025 and a significant tour of Australia in late 2024.

Gambhir stressed that the decision ultimately lies with the players. “Ultimately, it’s up to the players to decide how much they can contribute to the team’s success,” he stated. While emphasizing the importance of the team’s collective performance, Gambhir acknowledged the exceptional value that Kohli and Sharma bring with their skills and experience. “They’re world-class players, and any team would want to have both of them for as long as possible,” he concluded. Gambhir’s tenure as a head coach officially begins with India’s upcoming series in Sri Lanka, featuring three T20 internationals and three ODIs, starting this Saturday in Pallekele.