Can Indian cricket survive without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma?
Veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma has made a bold statement regarding the future of Indian cricket, asserting that the national team is fully prepared to move forward without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Amid growing speculation about the duo’s future in One Day Internationals, Ishant emphasized that the team has a strong bench and emerging talent capable of stepping up when the time comes. His comments come as the Indian selectors begin shaping their long-term plans for the ICC World Cup 2027, where both senior players may no longer be in consideration.
Will Indian cricket miss Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma?
Indian cricket currently stands at a pivotal moment of transition. With both Rohit and Kohli having already retired from Test and T20I formats, attention has now turned to their ODI careers. Questions are mounting over how long the two batting legends will continue representing India in the 50-over format. While their contributions to Indian cricket remain monumental, the selectors are reportedly looking to build a squad focused on the future — one that prioritizes youth, adaptability, and long-term planning. Ishant’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment that Indian cricket must embrace this new era, ensuring a smooth transition while continuing to compete at the highest level globally.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ended their T20I careers on a perfect note, retiring in style after leading India to glory in the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados. Their triumph marked a fairytale farewell from the shortest format, capping off illustrious T20I journeys with the ultimate high. However, their Test retirements painted a different picture. Unlike their celebrated T20I exits, reports suggested that both players were nudged into stepping away from the longest format, sparking widespread speculation. Fans and experts alike questioned whether the decision was entirely theirs or influenced by the selectors’ vision for the team’s future.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may have stepped away from Test and T20I cricket, but both remain determined to continue in the 50-over format. Kohli is reportedly eyeing the ICC World Cup 2027 as his next major target, showing no signs of slowing down, while Rohit Sharma has hinted that he will carry on until he feels the time is right to step aside. Their intentions to stay involved in ODI cricket reflect their deep commitment to Indian cricket, but in a format undergoing rapid evolution, nothing is guaranteed.
Despite their legendary status, the future of both stalwarts remains a subject of intense debate. With trophy-laden careers and countless records between them, Kohli and Rohit are two of the greatest to ever don the Indian jersey. However, as India looks to the future, many believe the time has come to transition toward a younger core, giving more opportunities to rising talents waiting in the wings. On the other hand, some argue that the experience and leadership of players like Kohli and Rohit will be invaluable in a high-pressure tournament like the 2027 World Cup. Balancing legacy and progress, the Indian selectors face a difficult but crucial decision in shaping the team’s next chapter.
“Cricket doesn't stop for anyone. Yes, fans feel bad, and as an individual, you feel bad. That I played for so many years, and after that I won't play anymore. So, all those things will happen," stated veteran pacer Ishant Sharma.
"But the good thing is that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are very sensible. They know that this will happen someday. So, I think the sooner you understand, the better. They achieved everything; they won everything. What else is left?” he added.
Amid ongoing debates around team selection, many fans, critics, and cricket experts often raise concerns about politics, favoritism, and external influence shaping who gets picked for the Indian cricket team. However, former India pacer Ishant Sharma has offered a firm reality check, dismissing such claims. According to Ishant, there is no space for favoritism in modern cricket, especially at the international level, where performance is the ultimate yardstick.
He emphasized that selections are made purely on the basis of merit, driven by hard statistics — runs scored, wickets taken, averages, and strike rates. These numbers, he insisted, are the only criteria that determine whether a player earns or retains a spot in the Indian squad. Ishant’s statement aims to restore faith in the selection process, highlighting that in a results-driven environment like international cricket, performance alone dictates opportunity — not names, influence, or personal preferences.
