Kolkata: Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has addressed swirling media speculation about the future of India’s white-ball stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Recent reports suggested that the upcoming ODI series in Australia might be the final chapter in the illustrious careers of the celebrated duo.
However, Ganguly emphasised that decisions about their continued presence in the team should be performance-driven.
"Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have phenomenal records in white-ball cricket. They should continue to play as long as they perform at the highest level," Ganguly said, underscoring the importance of merit and form over speculation.
The series in Australia, beginning October 19, marks the start of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, a tournament where India will aim to defend their stronghold. Following Australia, India is scheduled to play three ODIs against South Africa in December, continuing a packed international calendar.
Ganguly also praised the vast experience both players bring to the side, particularly in white-ball formats, noting Virat Kohli’s unmatched ODI record and Rohit Sharma’s key contributions. He described the duo as the backbone of India’s limited-overs setup.
Acknowledging the demanding schedule, Ganguly highlighted the necessity for players to manage their workload. "After the IPL, playing five consecutive Test matches is very taxing, so taking short breaks is essential for maintaining peak performance," he said.
Looking ahead, Ganguly expressed confidence in Team India's overall strength, especially in white-ball cricket. "India is extremely strong in white-ball formats, and while they are formidable in red-ball cricket as well, their dominance in limited-overs cricket is particularly impressive," he observed.
Commenting on India’s upcoming Asia Cup campaign and other tournaments, Ganguly remarked, "Beating India in conditions like Dubai will be very difficult for any team," highlighting India’s adaptability and balanced squad.
Finally, Ganguly stressed the importance of nurturing future talent while valuing the leadership and experience of senior players like Kohli and Rohit. His remarks conveyed optimism about India’s cricketing future as the team gears up for major international challenges with skill, determination, and a focus on sustained excellence.
