Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Deep Dasgupta has urged the duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play 50-over games in England to keep themselves game ready. With ODIs far and few between in International cricket calendar, it is going to be difficult for the veteran pair to remain match-fit by only playing in the IPL.
Rohit and Kohli have announced their retirements from T20Is and Test cricket and Dasgupta reckons they must find a way to play more games. While Rohit Sharma has amassed 11,168 runs in 273 ODI matches at an impressive average of 48.77, Kohli has aggregated 14,181 runs in 302 ODI games at a stunning average of 57.88; thus, their records speak for themselves.
However, despite performing consistently for the team in the ODI format, it has been reported that Rohit and Virat could retire after the three-match ODI series against Australia in October.
“Nobody has got that right. We never told them to start, so we are nobody to tell them when to stop. They stop when they stop. It’s completely up to them. Yes, as far as selection is concerned, we are in a performance-oriented industry. You keep performing, you stay. There is absolutely no two ways about it. I saw recently pictures of him (Rohit), he is looking fit, he is up and running and up for the challenge coming towards him,” he said in an exclusive interview with RevSportz.
“I personally feel they both have got a few years left in them going forward. And I seriously get a little annoyed when people say, ‘oh, this guy should retire’. I mean, who are we to suggest anything like that?” he added.
The former Bengal cricketer said he is not sure about rules in South Africa and Australia but Rohit and Virat can definitely get some game time in English conditions.
“For example, IPL will be there for two months. Then they will be playing 7-8 ODIs or maybe 8-9. Now between that, you’ve got the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Then, if they want, they can go and play 50 overs in England. So you have options to keep playing cricket, might not be at the highest level or international, but you still have. I don’t know if there is a possibility, maybe go to South Africa or maybe go to Australia and play some 50-over games there. I know, as far as England is concerned, that’s definitely an option. I don’t know much about the rules involved with South Africa, Australia though, but the bottom line is the hunger. If they are hungry enough, they will find a way,” he concluded.
Rohit and Kohli will be next seen in action in three-match ODI series against Australia.
