What if...? Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retire today

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in 2019 [PC: Twitter]

Indian cricket has been graced by some great names over the year. From Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar, there are plenty of nations who made the nation proud in the cricket field. Two such names in contemporary world are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. 

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both have been gifted with immense talent.  While Kohli has already led the team, Rohit is the current captain of team India in all formats. Besides their leadership skills, the two players have been prolific run scorers and they have been carrying the Indian team on their shoulders post the Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly era. 

But what if these two stalwarts of modern cricket decide to hang up their boots today?

Indian cricket would be left directionless

Both Virat and Rohit are very passionate about the game and their own contributions to Indian cricket. If Rohit retires today India will be left lacking for a captain. None of the younger players are groomed enough to be taking up the big responsibility. 

On the other hand, Virat's presence is a big boost to the Indian team in itself. The passion with which he takes the field and the way he motivates the whole team is rare. His retirement would mean that India will lack the fire on the field. 

A huge whole might be seen in the Indian top order

Rohit Sharma has been playing the role of an opener for India for nearly 10 years now. If he suddenly leaves, there will be a huge gap that will be created at the top of the order. Although there are a few talents like Subhman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, Ruturaj Gaikwad ready to take up the role, but the efficiency with which Rohit has played the role might be missing in these youngsters. Yes, the players will be ready for the big stage someday, but the immediate effect of Rohit's absence will be devastating for India. 

Virat Kohli is rightfully known as the run machine among the Indian fans. He has been the most prolific run scorer for the men in blue during the span of his career. His absence will create a big ridge at the top of the order. It will be difficult if not impossible to find a replacement of Kohli very soon. 

Disappointing results in the upcoming big tournaments

If Rohit and Virat retire today, India will not be able to perform in the upcoming T20 World Cup and the ODI World Cup next year. With the two biggest pillars missing there will be utter confusion within the team. As Rohit and Virat have been a part of the set up for a long time they have perfect idea of their responsibilities. Any new bloke walking in will be overwhelmed by  the duties that would befall him in absence of Rohit and Kohli. 

All said and done, both Kohli and Rohit have a lot of cricket left in them. They still have lots to give to Indian and world cricket. There are lots of wonders that the fans are yet to see from the duo. So, as a fan of the cricket game we hope that this day when the two greats of the modern game decide call it quits comes as late as possible. 

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022: Can India's batting depth compensate their bowling issues?