Rohit Sharma (Twitter)
Amidst speculations over his cricketing future, Rohit Sharma has found backing from Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan to continue in India colours and potentially flex his muscles at another ICC World Cup, provided he "pushes his fitness" levels.
Muralitharan felt inspired by Rohit's majestic showing with the bat throughout the World Cup 2023 in India to suggest there is still cricket left in the top-order giant and skipper. Leading India's excellent juggernaut from the front, Rohit blasted a whopping 597 runs with a strike rate nudging close to 130.
The 36-year-old is considered unlikely to appear at the next edition of the quadrennial event in South Africa since he will nudge close to 40. However, Muralitharan reckons that if hunger and the desire to continue persist, Rohit could work extensively on his fitness and extend his playing stint by four more years.
Muralitharan Backs Rohit Sharma To Play 2027 World Cup
Speaking to 'Jio Cinema' as India approaches the post-World Cup transition phase and plans and proceed towards the next edition of the tournament in South Africa, Muralitharan insisted Rohit could be integral to the plans if he commits to the game for the next cycle.
For the Lankan giant, legendary teammate Virat Kohli, with his excellent fitness standards, could act as an inspiration for Rohit's own physical grind and training in the next four years. Kohli is 35, just a year older than Rohit. But unlike the opener, it is being considered ripe for another World Cup after dominating the batting charts in the just concluded edition with 765 runs in 11 innings.
"You look at his ODI World Cup performance. The starts he gave, the kind of strike rates he batted at. He never failed in the tournament. And he’s only 36, that’s young. He can play another World Cup if he pushes his fitness like Virat," said Muralitharan.
It seems improbable at this stage, having not played T20Is for close to a year, but Muralitharan said Rohit's immediate sighting could be at the T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean & USA next June.
"Why are people taking such harsh calls that it is the right time to go and bring youngsters. Until they are fit and performing, let them play. Rohit batted with a strike rate of 130 in ODIs, which is not bad for T20. He’s an experienced player. You just have to work harder on your fitness after 35. If the desire is there, he’ll play. I think he’ll definitely play another World Cup. It’s on his mind," Muralitharan added.
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