Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has made a significant statement regarding the participation of two cricketing giants, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, in the 2027 One Day International (ODI) World Cup. Ganguly believes it will be challenging for both players to maintain their fitness and remain integral members of the Indian team by that tournament.
Sports News: Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly recently stated that it will not be easy for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to remain fit and secure their places in India's ODI World Cup team until 2027. Ganguly alluded to age, fitness, and the evolving demands of cricket, stating that every player's career has an end, and even legends like Virat and Rohit will eventually have to bid farewell to the field.
The Road to 2027 Won't Be Easy
South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe are jointly hosting the 2027 ODI World Cup. By then, Virat Kohli will be 38 and Rohit Sharma 40. Ganguly explicitly stated: "With only around 15 ODIs played annually, it will be extremely difficult for Kohli and Rohit to consistently maintain their fitness and play high-level cricket. We must all understand that every player eventually retires, and the same will apply to these two."
Kohli-Rohit's Desire, But...
Recently, both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced their retirement from Test cricket. However, both also expressed their desire to continue contributing to ODI cricket and play in the 2027 World Cup. Ganguly offered a realistic perspective on their aspirations: "Wanting is one thing, and performance and selection are another. Consistent performance and fitness are essential to remain in the team, and this becomes more challenging at this stage of their careers."
When asked what advice he would give Kohli and Rohit, Ganguly humbly replied: "I won't offer them any advice. They are such experienced and mature players that they understand their game better than anyone. They will decide themselves when to stop playing and when to retire."
No Fear for Indian Cricket – New Options Will Emerge
While acknowledging the greatness of Kohli and Rohit and admitting that replacing them will not be easy, especially a batsman like Kohli, Ganguly expressed confidence in the future of Indian cricket: "Indian cricket has no shortage of talent. While finding a replacement for Kohli will be difficult, every era ends, and a new one begins. Team India has many young players waiting to prove themselves."
When asked about Yuvraj Singh, Ganguly said he was a special player who performed exceptionally well in limited-overs cricket. According to Ganguly, Yuvraj didn't get many opportunities in Test cricket, otherwise, he could have proven himself there as well.
