Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, the three stalwarts of Indian cricket, are inching ever so closer to their international retirements. The trio kickstarted their walk into the sunset following India’s triumph at the T20 World Cup last year during which they announced the end of their T20I careers. Now, with another ICC event approaching, questions are being asked how long they will continue to serve Indian cricket.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra, in a video on his YouTube channel, has said he feels that the upcoming Champions Trophy could be the last ICC event for Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja, indicating that the Indian team management is set to move on from the three superstars.
“With a heavy heart, I have to say that there’s a strong possibility,” Chopra said. “Right now it’s the Champions Trophy then we have the next ICC event in WTC (World Test Championship) final where we haven’t reached – so no chance of Kohli, Rohit or Jadeja playing in it. Then the next ICC event is next year which is the T20 World Cup. These three have already retired from T20Is.”
“Then in 2027, there’s ODI World Cup which is quite far. The world will look quite different. I think the players also feel that this could be our last (ICC) tournament and therefore it’s very important. Although we always say never say never. Maybe there’s something more. Could be possible that Rohit, Virat, Jadeja end up playing the next world cup (too),” he added.
“The question isn’t whether these guys can play at the next world cup. It’s about the Indian cricket team’s ability to carry on without them. The question should be whether India need these players or are there better options at a given moment. If the answer is yes, then move into that direction. So, I do think this could be the last ICC event for Rohit, Jadeja and Kohli,” Chopra said.
Chopra then added that it’s not about whether Kohli or Jadeja, two of the fittest Indian cricketers, can continue playing for a couple of more years but whether the team can move on without them.
