- People closely following the fortunes of Team India in the last decade and a half would have noticed the constant presence of two of the modern-day greats and consistent performers in the form of the talismanic Virat Kohli and the hitman Rohit Sharma. The impact that these two players have had on the Indian cricket team, across formats, needs no further elaboration. The way Kohli and Sharma have performed with such panache, winning innumerable matches for Team India, has been acknowledged across the cricketing world. The mere presence of such giant performers always provided an edge to Team India’s cause while representing the country with great pride and distinction. Unfortunately, time will not wait for any. And the wheels will keep moving ahead.
PC: India Today
- As you are aware, both marquee players announced their retirement from the T20s and Tests in the recent past. What was considered a big blow when both announced their retirements just before the grueling five-match Tests in England was thankfully nullified when Team India levelled the series 2-2. Of course, India, as a cricket-playing nation, is blessed with humongous amounts of talented cricketers emerging from the nook and corner of the country with regularity. The popularity and the reach of the game ensure there is no dearth of talented cricketers willing to go through the grind. The extreme popularity of the T20 franchise-based IPL means the supply chain of cricketers determined to perform to the optimum never runs bare.
PC: Sports Tak
- Thus, the absence of Kohli and Sharma was not felt much as the result of the Tests against England suggests. The way youngsters have stepped in to fill those big shoes is unsurprising. Given the exposure and experience some of the talented cricketers would acquire in the days ahead, Team India can rest assured that our prospects are well served for years to come. The spectacular performances from skipper Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Yashaswi Jaiswal must warm the cockles of all concerned. The absence was hardly felt as these players, alongside some experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammad Shami, displayed remarkable resilience in leveling the hard-fought series in England. A huge positive indeed.
PC: News24
- The question that will be on every cricket fan’s mind right now, though, is how the ageing superstars like Kohli and Sharma will be considered for the one-day internationals since they have indicated willingness to continue in the 50-over format. Mind you, there are hardly any bilateral one-day series being played of late. The 50-over World Cup is scheduled in the year 2027. Will the superstar cricketers be fit with enough matches behind them to be considered for selection? The answer appears to be negative. The way forward for the proven star performers is to make an honourable exit by allowing them to step away before the planning for the World Cup commences in the right earnest. If required, the selectors should hold talks with the players.
