Yuvraj Singh openly goes against Gautam Gambhir to save Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma
Published - 19 Aug 2025, 12:57 PM | Updated - 19 Aug 2025, 01:02 PM
Former Team India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has opened up about senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and their future with the team. Yuvraj Singh stated that he is not in a position to suggest changes for Rohit and Virat, adding that criticism often comes when players go through a rough patch.
The team management is considering the transition phase by backing younger talent instead of relying on senior players. According to reports, Rohit and Virat may retire from international cricket after the ODI series against Australia in late 2025, with both unlikely to feature in plans for the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Retired from T20Is and Tests
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have already retired from T20Is and Tests, leaving ODIs as their only active format. However, maintaining peak performance while featuring exclusively in one format could be a challenge.
India last played an ODI during their Champions Trophy triumph earlier in 2025. The BCCI postponed the white-ball series against Bangladesh, which delayed Rohit and Virat’s return. India will next play an ODI series in October-November on the Australia tour.
Meanwhile, the BCCI revised its guidelines following the 1-3 defeat to Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The board made domestic cricket mandatory for contracted players. This policy shift even saw senior stars like Kohli and Rohit turn out in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s Last Outing for India Came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma last played for India during the 2025 Champions Trophy campaign. Rohit scored 76 off 83 balls in the final against New Zealand and won the Player of the Match award. Kohli finished as the tournament’s fifth-highest run-getter with 218 runs at an average of nearly 55.
The duo announced their retirement from Test cricket just before the drawn five-match series in England. India will commence their ODI series against Australia on October 19, with Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney hosting the matches.
The series is not only India’s comeback in the 50-over format after a long gap but also part of their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa.
Notably, the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be played in the December-January window, coinciding with India’s home ODI fixtures against South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan.
I’m Not in a Position to Suggest Changes for Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma - Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh said that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have vast experience. He emphasized that criticism is common when players go through a dip in form. Yuvraj Singh added that the duo are like family to him, and he feels it is his responsibility to support them rather than join in on the criticism.
"I’m not in a position to make any changes to Virat or Rohit. They’ve played far more cricket than me. I can only share my opinion. When a player isn’t performing, it’s very easy to criticize, but supporting them is the real challenge. The media’s job is to criticize; my job is to support them. They are like my brothers, they are my family," Yuvraj Singh said.
Yuvraj Singh on what changes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli need.: 🗣️-
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) August 18, 2025
"I’m not in a position to make any changes to Virat or Rohit. They’ve played far more cricket than me. I can only share my opinion. When a player isn’t performing, it’s very easy to criticize, but supporting… pic.twitter.com/6IIwO4ddWp
Also read: Ambati Rayudu picks 3 Best ODI batsmen of all time; shocking names appear
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