Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Vijay Dahiya reckons the veteran duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should take a call on their ODI future ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The pair recently announced their Test retirement in May and it has been reported that the ODI series against Australia could be the final of their career.
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.
The former LSG assistant coach said the duo must be celebrated for their massive contribution to Indian cricket and others should not take a call on their future.
Speaking to SportsYaari’s YouTube Channel, Vijay Dahiya said, “(Whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should play 2027WC) The way they see themselves is important. Similarly, the team management or selectors have to decide which way they want to go. That’s important. Sometimes we forget that we should celebrate these players. Celebrate what they’ve done for Indian cricket. That’s important until they play. At some point, everyone has to leave cricket. That will be a different stage, but the way they’ve contributed, what they’ve done should be celebrated.”
“The motivation and fitness come from inside. There are many people who want to make the decision on their behalf. This is a personal call. The way they’ve contributed, nobody needs to tell them what they should do and don’t,” he added.
Asked to pick one between Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, Dahiya said comparison is a thief of joy.
Dahiya said, “(Rohit vs MSD) See, this is a result-oriented game. The two captains have won the trophies. Comparison is a thief of joy. It removes the fun part. They are different types of characters, bring different things to the table, and run their teams their own way. Rohit’s aggression is unique, and MS Dhoni’s calmness is different.”
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be next seen in action in the ODI series against Australia.
