Picture Credit: X
The mainstay of Indian batting lineup, skipper Rohit Sharma and batting stalwart Virat Kohli will return to action in the upcoming Sri Lanka ODI series, set to be played from August 2 to 7 in Colombo. The duo might have called on their time in T20 Internationals, they continue to remain key players in the Indian setup, seeing the Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship (WTC) Final ahead.
Although the duo had requested for an extended break after India’s T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados on June 29, a request from newly-appointed Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir forced them to overturn their decision and make themselves available for the upcoming series. Speaking ahead of the Sri Lanka tour, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, in a press conference in Mumbai on Monday, July 22, stated that the duo can play until 2027 World Cup.
"I think they have shown what they can deliver on the big stage, whether it's the T20 World Cup or the 50-over World Cup. Both those guys have a lot of cricket left in them. Champions Trophy is coming up, a big Test series is coming up in Australia. They will be motivated for the Champions Trophy and if they can keep their fitness, they can play the 2027 World Cup," Gambhir said at the press conference.
"This is a very personal decision. I can't say how much cricket is left in them. Looking at what Virat and Rohit have done, they are still world-class player. There is still a lot of cricket left in them," he added.
Rohit and Virat will be available for most big matches, assures Gambhir
The former Indian cricketer turned Head Coach, Gambhir further asserted that the duo will be available for all major matches. However, he exclaimed that the bowlers need more rest than the batters, adding that it is important for someone like Jasprit Bumrah.
“Workload management for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important. Rohit and Virat are not playing T20s, so they need to be available for most of the important games,” Gambhir said. “For a batter, if he can play good cricket and be in good form, might as well play all games. Not just for Jasprit Bumrah, but most of the bowlers, workload management is important,” he further quoted.
