Sanjay Bangar, the former India batting coach, feels that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could continue their careers longer than many of the former players. The two batting stalwarts have retired from T20I format after India clinched the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. Since workload management is paramount in Indian cricket, the duo is now at a stage where they can selectively participate in series.
Bangar stated that Rohit and Kohli are likely to extend their careers beyond those of India legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. The 51-year-old remarked that Rohit’s continued participation will hinge on his fitness. Additionally, he expressed confidence that former captain Kohli could continue playing Test cricket for five more years if his body remains in good shape.
“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,” he added.
When asked if Rohit Sharma would have retired from the 50-over format had India won the 2023 ODI World Cup, Bangar responded that he didn’t believe so. The 51-year-old further noted that India enjoyed a remarkable campaign in the 2023 Cricket World Cup under Rohit’s captaincy, despite their defeat against Australia in the final in Ahmedabad.
“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,” Bangar said.
