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Pass The Torch, Not The Whole Flame: Why Retiring Kohli And Rohit Together Is A Bad Idea

Abhinav Tyagi

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma In Discussion - (Source: AFP)Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma In Discussion - (Source: AFP)

The heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup is still fresh in every Indian's memory, and only a World Cup will be able to heal that wound. The fans are looking at the 2027 World Cup with hope, as it is supposed to be the last dance for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in international cricket.

However, the latest rumours suggest that the BCCI is pushing for the veterans' early retirement as they want a young brigade to take on the world on the biggest stage. While both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are gems of the Indian cricket and talked about in the same breath, the apex board shouldn't demand their retirement at the same time. The BCCI is on the right path to push the younger generation forward, but it shouldn't come at the cost of losing two experienced stars simultaneously. 

Rohit's Retirement: A Fair Demand By The Board

When Rohit and Virat announced retirement from Test cricket, the board received a lot of flak for their decision, as the fans felt that the duo had a lot left to offer and Indian cricket would crumble post their retirement. However, the Shubman Gill-led side showed Hunger and also produced the results.

Thus, the BCCI is right on their part to ask the veterans to make way for youngsters, but asking both to retire would call for a disaster. However, if one has to make way, then Rohit Sharma has a few reasons to call it his day in international cricket. 

Age Catching Up: Rohit will be 40 when the upcoming World Cup approaches, and age plays a huge factor, especially when the player is on the wrong end of the 30s. It is a big gamble to take a 40-year-old to the World Cup, relying on his heroics in the past editions. 

Also, if taking Rohit to the World Cup squad would signify a tribute, then the World Cup is too big a tournament. Further, Rohit had an average Champions Trophy, where he amassed just 180 runs in five innings. 

Right Time To Pass On Leadership Baton: Also, the time is right for Rohit to pass on the leadership baton to someone from the younger lot as the team would suffer a lot if the transition is not made at the right time.

Thus, the management should ask Rohit to pass on the captaincy to Shubman Gill or someone else from the younger lot in coming months rather than make a panic move a few months before the mega-tournament in late 2026 or early 2027. 

Tough Battle At The Top: Unlike Virat, Rohit Sharma has a lot of competition at the top. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are there fighting for the opening slot, but fail to get opportunities because of Rohit Sharma. 

Virat's Presence In WC 2027,  A Necessary Step For Team India

However, for Virat, he faces no competition at the No.3 slot and would only be 38-years-old by the 2027 World Cup, which is Rohit's present age. Further, there is a vast fitness level difference between the two players and Kohli can easily convert those singles into doubles, a key component of ODI cricket, whereas Rohit is struggling with his fitness, raising concerns over his participation for an event to take place two years later. 

The perfect Anchor Player: Unlike, T20Is, ODI cricket requires players who knows how to anchor the innings, build a partnership to put a healthy total on the board. Meanwhile, Virat is the perfect player for such situation. Thus, India should continue with Kohli at No.3 position till 2027 World Cup. 

This Or That For BCCI? Virat Kohli Is The Answer

Thus, there are plenty of reasons why the BCCI is right on their part to ask seniors to make way for the youngsters, but shouldn't repeat the mistake of Test cricket, where the two veterans retired at the same time despite a two-years age difference and a lot not in common. 

Further, Virat's availability for 2027 World Cup squad will be a perfect blend of experience with youth, and the 36-year-old will have a lot to offer to the young faces on a battleground, known to him for years. 

If only there is an option that the BCCI can't take both seniors to the World Cup, then Virat is the best choice to seal the berth because of his better fitness, form, and stature in white-ball cricket.