New Delhi: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s “phenomenal” ODI records buys them time in the Indian team though they need to keep performing, believes former skipper Sourav Ganguly.
Reports suggest that the star duo are not in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup and the upcoming series in Australia could be the last for them in India colours, as they have already retired from T20Is and Tests.
“It’s difficult to say. Whoever does well will play. If they do well, they should continue. Kohli’s one-day record is phenomenal, even Rohit Sharma’s. Both of them are phenomenal in white-ball cricket,” Ganguly said in Kolkata on Sunday.
Under new Test skipper Shubman Gill, India forced a come-from-behind 2-2- draw in a five-match Test series in England, which impressed Ganguly.
“He’s India’s Test captain, and his future is full of promise,” the former left handed batter said.
‘India favourites for Asia Cup’
India’s next assignment after a five-match Test series in England is the T20 Asia Cup in the UAE from September 9, followed by an ODI tour of Australia from October 19, and three home 50-over matches against South Africa in December.
In 2026, India have ODI series against New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, the West Indies, and New Zealand.
“They are in the middle of a break. After the IPL, they played five Tests and now they will play the Asia Cup from September 9,” Ganguly said.
“India are very strong, and if they are strong in red-ball cricket, they are even stronger in white-ball cricket. So, in my opinion, India are favourites, and beating them on those good Dubai wickets will be very tough.”
Former BCCI president Ganguly also disclosed he is looking forward to contest elections to become Cricket Association of Bengal’s president for the second tome.
“If members wish, will file nomination (for CAB president’s post),” he added, having served as CAB president from mid-2015 to October 2019.