Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's retirement delayed: "We are going to win Olympics"

Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth urged Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to keep playing till the 2028 LA Olympics. Sreesanth made this request after the Men in Blue defeated Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are currently in Dubai where they are a part of India's squad for the Champions Trophy. Rohit is the team's captain as India are just one step away from lifting the coveted title.

Sreesanth praised the camaraderie between Indian players and termed it the main reason behind the team's success. He was impressed to see the team bonding and backed them to win the final as well.

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S Sreesanth urges Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli to win gold in the 2028 LA Olympics

While speaking to India Today after Tuesday's semi-final, S Sreesanth spoke about the prospects of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from international cricket. The former India quick urged both of them to keep playing till the 2028 LA Olympic Games and win the gold medal for India.

"Everybody's talking about Virat (Kohli) and you know Rohit (Sharma) might be retiring. Please let them keep playing. We are going to win the Olympics because there is nothing like an Olympian Virat and Olympian Rohit winning the gold medal for the country," Sreesanth said.

The 2028 LA Olympics is still a long time away cricket will make a historic comeback in the games after a long gap of 128 years. But cricket in these games will be played in the T20 format which won't allow Rohit and Kohli to play it.

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the T20I format after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024 where India lifted the title. As a result, their chances of playing the 2028 Olympics remain slim.

S Sreesanth hails Team India's bonding

While speaking further during the conversation, S Sreesanth hailed the togetherness of the Indian team and felt that it was helping them perform well. He is impressed with the way the team is bonding together and called it the team's strength.

"The best thing about the team right now, I will tell you, is that they are so humble and they are cooperative, and I think the brotherhood we can see on the field. I think that's the strength of team," he observed.

Team India has been performing brilliantly in the ongoing Champions Trophy and is the only team to have won four games in the tournament so far. The Men in Blue have made it to the final where they will face the winners of the match between South Africa and New Zealand.

India into the CT 2025 final

India defeated Australia by 4 wickets in the first semi-final in Dubai to book their spot in the summit clash. It was a match where both the teams had their moments. But India held their nerves well to claim victory in the end.

Australia scored a competitive 264 after opting to bat first. Skipper Steve Smith and Alex Carey scored vital half-centuries for them while Travis Head played a blistering cameo at the top.

In reply, India controlled the run-chase well and reached the target with 11 balls to spare. Virat Kohli top-scored for India with a fine 84 off 98 balls while KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer played crucial knocks.