Ishant Sharma has boldly said that the India National Cricket Team is ready to play without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amidst the buzz over their ODI future. Indian selectors are set to chalk out the plans for the ICC World Cup 2027, and they might not be in the scheme of things.
Indian cricket is standing at the stage of a dramatic transition, as the two giants of the game, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have already retired from Tests and T20Is. Now, the questions are swirling about how long the Indian batting icons will continue in ODI cricket.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI future is in doubt as the transition phase intensifies
Both Rohit and Virat retired from T20I cricket in style, ending on the ultimate high after lifting the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados. Their final dance in the shortest format gave India glory, but their Test retirement sparked a lot of speculation, as they were reportedly forced to walk out.
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Now, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are both determined to wear the blue jersey in the 50-over format. Kohli has reportedly set his eyes firmly on the ICC World Cup 2027, while Rohit has hinted that he’ll continue until he feels the right time has come. However, there is nothing guaranteed in this format as well.
Well, Virat Kohli and Rohit’s careers are filled with trophies and records, but their future raises tough questions, as many feel it is the time to start giving more chances to the next generation of batters waiting in the wings, while some feel the team will need their legendary batters in the World Cup.
Ishant Sharma says Indian cricket is ready to move on from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Reacting to the noise, Ishant Sharma reminded everyone that cricket never stops for anyone. He noted that fans will miss both Rohit and Virat, but they are aware that the end was always coming. The former fast bowler has stressed that his former Indian teammates have already achieved everything the game could offer, and this is the time for the next generation to shine.
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Ishant Sharma said on Raj Shamani’s podcast on YouTube, “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.
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?”
No room for Favouritism in Indian Cricket: Ishant Sharma
Meanwhile, fans, cricket experts, and critics often raise the question of politics, favoritism, and outside influence in the team selection. But Ishant Sharma has given a strong reality check to them by saying there is no room for favoritism, as the game is driven by numbers.
The former fast bowler has stressed that runs, wickets, averages, and strike rates are the only tools that decide who gets to wear the Indian jersey at the highest level. He signed off by saying, “How will it be? There are numbers, right? If there are numbers, then how will there be favoritism? Whoever is performing, he is playing for India. That’s it.”