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Xtra Time Web Desk: Rohit Sharma's availability in question: cricket legend slams Gambhir's apparent backtrack

The cricketing world is abuzz with speculation surrounding the future of Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, particularly in light of Gautam Gambhir's recent appointment as head coach of the Indian team. Both veterans announced their retirement from T20I cricket following the triumphant conclusion of the T20 World Cup last month. Despite BCCI Secretary Jay Shah's assurance that Rohit will lead the team in the ICC Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2025, ambiguity looms over their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

During a recent press conference, Gambhir reiterated his faith in Sharma and Kohli, asserting they still have much to offer. However, former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has highlighted Gambhir's seemingly contradictory stance. Srikkanth recalled how Gambhir previously indicated that underperforming senior players would not be part of his squad for the T20 World Cup.

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"Gautam Gambhir has taken a U-turn. Before the T20 World Cup 2024, he stated that if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma do not perform, they won't be in my team. Now, he has reversed his position, praising both players as irreplaceable. Post his appointment as head coach, he claimed they have plenty of cricket left in them and could potentially be fit for the 2027 World Cup," Srikkanth remarked on his YouTube channel.

Addressing the potential inclusion of the duo in the 2027 ODI World Cup, Srikkanth suggested that Kohli might feature in the tournament, given his exemplary fitness. However, he expressed skepticism about Rohit's ability to compete at the highest level at the age of 40.

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"Rohit is an excellent player, but he is 37 now, and the next ODI World Cup is three years away. He will be 40 then. Unless he possesses superlative fitness like MS Dhoni or Sachin Tendulkar, it’s improbable he will compete in the World Cup in his 40s. Yes, Virat Kohli might play in the 2027 World Cup, but as for Rohit, Gambhir's optimism is misplaced; he will faint in South Africa," Srikkanth added.

The 2027 ODI World Cup will be a momentous event, jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, further intensifying the anticipation and scrutiny surrounding the participation of Indian cricket's iconic figures.