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Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin noted that while Rohit Sharma could consider coaching after his retirement from cricket, the chances of Virat Kohli doing the same are very slim.
The upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027 could be the last assignment for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with the Men in Blue. Considering their age, Rohit is now 39 and Virat 37; it is assumed that the legends of Indian cricket could announce their departure from the Indian cricket team dressing room after the flagship event in 2027.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to start coaching after retirements?
Multiple former cricketers, including Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir himself, have been pursuing coaching careers after taking retirement.
Ravichandran Ashwin, in a recent YouTube video, opined that he did not think Virat Kohli would be ready for coaching immediately after retirement, but Mumbai Indians should absorb Rohit Sharma in some capacity in their franchise.
Mumbai Indians claimed five IPL titles under the leadership of Sharma; he also led the national team to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph and other trophies, so Mumbai could appoint their former captain as a staff member in the future.
"I don't think Virat will be ready to coach. Both have done a lot. Maybe Rohit Sharma can be seen in some capacity in Mumbai Indians. I don't know about Virat, honestly. I think he would want to take a break. If tomorrow Rohit decides he does not want to play, MI should absorb him immediately. He has won five titles and has won a World Cup for India too. Knowing MI, I don't think they will leave him either," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.
How long will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain active in IPL?
In most cases, even after signing off from the national cricket team, players opt to pursue franchise cricket. It will be interesting to see for how long Rohit and Virat will continue their IPL stints after retiring from the Indian cricket team.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played for Team India during the ODI series against England in England. Both of the batters were impressive in the tournaments in their own ways.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both were impressive against England
In the series, Rohit scored 175 runs at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 98.31, with a century at Lord's in the final ODI, and Virat claimed 144 runs at an average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 109.09, including two half-centuries.
The duo is expected to feature next for the Indian cricket team in September during the ODI series against West Indies at home. In the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, all of the upcoming ODI series are considered crucial for both of the senior batters, as these tournaments will help them in their preparations. As of now, it is not yet confirmed whether Virat and Rohit will play in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
