'They can go and play 50 overs' - Former India cricketer advises Rohit-Virat to play in England to remain match-fit

The future of India’s batting stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, continues to make headlines as they prepare for their ODI return during the upcoming series against Australia. Having retired from T20Is and Test cricket, they left ODIs as their only format at the international level. With the next World Cup scheduled for 2027, many have questioned whether the duo can stretch their careers till then, when they will be nearing 40.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta strongly came out in support of Rohit and Kohli, insisting that no one has the authority to dictate when the legends should retire.

“Nobody has got that right. We never told them to start, so we are nobody to tell them when to stop. They stop when they stop. It’s completely up to them. Yes, as far as selection is concerned, we are in a performance-oriented industry. You keep performing, you stay. There is absolutely no two ways about it. I saw recently pictures of him (Rohit), he is looking fit, he is up and running and up for the challenge coming towards him,” he said in an exclusive interview with RevSportz.

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Personally feel they both have got a few years left: Deep Dasgupta

Dasgupta pointed out that both players have maintained their fitness and hunger for the game, and still have plenty left to offer.

"Yes, as far as selection is concerned, we are in a performance-oriented industry. You keep performing, you stay. There is absolutely no two ways about it. I saw recently pictures of him (Rohit), he is looking fit, he is up and running and up for the challenge coming towards him. I personally feel they both have got a few years left in them going forward. And I seriously get a little annoyed when people say, 'oh, this guy should retire'. I mean, who are we to suggest anything like that?" he added.

One of the major challenges Rohit and Kohli could face in the coming years is the limited number of ODI fixtures in the calendar. With the format being overpowered by Tests and T20s, Dasgupta believes that the two could look past international cricket to stay match-fit.

"For example, IPL will be there for two months. Then they will be playing 7-8 ODIs or maybe 8-9. Now between that, you've got the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Then, if they want, they can go and play 50 overs in England. So you have options to keep playing cricket, might not be at the highest level or international, but you still have. I don't know if there is a possibility, maybe go to South Africa or maybe go to Australia and play some 50-over games there. I know, as far as England is concerned, that's definitely an option. I don't know much about the rules involved with South Africa, Australia though, but the bottom line is the hunger. If they are hungry enough, they will find a way," he concluded.