As Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma prepare for a demanding Test season, with more matches behind them than ahead, former India batting coach believes they could extend their careers longer than many of their predecessors

On Saturday, Indian cricket fans witnessed the end of an era with Shikhar Dhawan‘s retirement. At 38 and having last played for India in December 2022, Dhawan’s departure was anticipated. His early morning announcement prompted reflections on his debut in Mohali, the 2013 Champions Trophy, his iconic thigh slap celebration earning him the moniker “Gabbar,” and his trademark moustache twirl. As fans bid an emotional farewell, Dhawan’s retirement also brought a sobering reminder: the careers of his fellow icons, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, might be drawing to a close. At 35 and 37 respectively, Kohli and Rohit recently stepped away from T20 internationals following India’s World Cup win in the West Indies. There’s now speculation whether next year’s Champions Trophy or the World Test Championship could mark the end of their illustrious ICC journeys together.

‘Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma To Shine Beyond The Career Of Legends’: Says Bangar

As Kohli and Rohit prepare for a demanding Test season, with more matches behind them than ahead, former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes they could extend their careers longer than many of their predecessors. With Indian cricket now focusing heavily on workload management and both players at a stage where they can selectively choose their series, Bangar suggests that Kohli and Rohit might continue to shine beyond the careers of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

“I think Rohit will continue to play as long as his body and fitness allows him to. Because a player of that quality – Sachin played till 40, even Rahul played till 40 – with better fitness standards, more professionals are looking after players. Like a lot of nutritionists also are helping,” Bangar said on The Rao Podcast.

“The players’ careers are going to get longer, and in that process, if it benefits the Indian team, nothing like it. Even with Virat, depends on his body. The last format that he would give up away will be Test cricket. So, I am sure that you will see Virat playing Test cricket for another five years.”

Speculations On Rohit Sharma’s ODI Career

Bangar did not believe that Rohit would have retired from ODI cricket even if India had clinched the World Cup at home last year. India had an almost flawless tournament, winning 10 consecutive matches before falling to Australia in the final on November 19. One can only imagine the spectacle of Kohli and Rohit celebrating consecutive World Cup victories. However, there’s speculation that Rohit might have chosen to step away from ODIs had India emerged victorious.

“Hard to say, but I think like in 2015, 2019 and 2023, all those three World Cups. They had a dream campaign, before we were outplayed by Australia in the final. They played out of their skins to chase down that score. I would have still believed that because he is leading the team, and he has tasted success now – India still wants to win the World Test Championship – there is something to look forward to. In today’s time and age, the World Cup in happening every second year, or every year you have an ICC tournament. I don’t think that would have been a factor. India winning the World Cup doesn’t mean that Rohit is going to walk away,” said Bangar 

India will be playing two Tests against Bangladesh starting September 19. It is expected that we’ll be seeing both Kohli and Rohit in action then.