“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli don’t play in major 50-over tournaments” – Ashish Nehra’s stunning take on senior players’ future

Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra shared his thoughts on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's inclusion in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Ashish Nehra said that the upcoming series will help Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli gel with the new coaching staff, led by Gautam Gambhir.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from the T20 format after the Men in Blue's victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Earlier reports suggested that the veteran batting duo would skip the ODI series in Sri Lanka. However, they made themselves available after Gautam Gambhir's request.

Gambhir succeeded Rahul Dravid as head of the India men's cricket team. The upcoming Sri Lanka tour is his first assignment as the new head coach of the national cricket team. The Men in Blue will play three T20I matches followed by as many ODI matches during the tour, which will begin on Saturday, July 27.

Like That They Are Playing The ODI - Ashish Nehra

Speaking on Sports Tak, Ashish Nehra said that it is a good thing to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play in Gautam Gambhir's first assignment. Nehra added that the batting duo is unlikely to feature in the next ODI World Cup 2027.

“The good thing is, even though there is a chance that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli don't play in the major 50-over tournaments coming up but they are still there for this series in Sri Lanka,” Nehra said on Sports Tak.

"Gautam Gambhir has come as a new coach and the earlier they gel with him inside that dressing room environment the better, regardless of whether they knew each other for many years before that or not. So I like that they are playing the ODIs," he added.

Rohit and Virat last played for India in an ODI match during the ODI World Cup 2023 on home soil. The Indian team suffered a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final match in Ahmedabad. They are expected to play crucial roles for the team in the Champions Trophy, which is set to be played in early 2025.

India Have A Good Pool Players For White-ball Cricket - Ashish Nehra

Ashish Nehra highlighted that the selectors often give chances to young players after major tournaments like the World Cup. Nehra said that India has a good pool of players for white-ball cricket, adding that the youngsters will improve by spending time with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

“Many a times it happens that after a major tournament like the World Cup you would want to give youngsters more chances. India already have a good pool of players for white-ball cricket and so the more time these youngsters spend time with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli the better it is for them,” Nehra further stated.

Gautam Gambhir recently said that Rohit and Virat could play in the 2027 World Cup if they remain fit. Nehra said that senior players will face stiff competition from players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sai Sudharsan. Nehra added that the senior players will need to maintain consistent performance.

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