In the gripping Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India showcased its mettle by holding England to a 2-2 draw, signaling that the new generation of players fear no challenge. These young cricketers poured their heart and soul for the nation and the team.
Mohammed Siraj bowled nearly 200 overs, managing his exhausted body across five tests to bolster the team's strength. Washington Sundar was seen taking on responsibility at every opportunity. Yashasvi Jaiswal made significant contributions when needed, while Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna left a mark. Sai Sudharsan also hinted at becoming a valuable player in the future.
... Yet amid this stellar performance looms a big question: What will be the future role for the iconic players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah?
Kohli (36) and Rohit (38) have retired from T20 and Test cricket. They are now only likely to be seen in ODIs and the IPL. They could possibly feature in a three-match ODI series in Australia, followed by another on home soil against South Africa.
After this, both will have the opportunity to play in six ODI matches against New Zealand (at home) and England (abroad) between January and July 2026.
Source: aajtak
Will Rohit-Kohli Rely on IPL for the Next 2 Years?
But are these series the groundwork for the 2027 World Cup? Will these two veterans play solely relying on a single format and IPL for the next two years?
A BCCI source informed PTI, 'Discussions will soon take place. There's still over two years to the 2027 World Cup. By then, Kohli and Rohit will be nearly 40. We must devise a clear strategy and give opportunities to youngsters.'
After securing victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, both players retired from this format, as they farewelled Test cricket quietly. Now, the question is whether they will decide their retirement on their terms or the board will gradually phase them out?
'... a conversation will certainly happen'
The source added, 'Kohli and Rohit have contributed immensely to India. Thus, no pressure will be put on them, but before the start of the next ODI cycle, a conversation will certainly happen to see where they stand mentally and physically.'
Another concern is that Kohli and Rohit haven't played an international match since March's Champions Trophy. Now without domestic games till November with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy (ODI) in December, their match practice faces question.
- Virat Kohli was spotted during Wimbledon -
According to BCCI's regulations, if a player is fit, playing domestic cricket is mandatory. Failure to do so may lead to exclusion from the team. However, players of Kohli and Rohit's stature might be granted exceptions.
What About Bumrah?
Bumrah's situation is different. Focusing on his fitness and workload, a plan has been laid out for him. In England, he was restricted to playing just three tests. Now, the board and management are contemplating whether to rope him in all formats or focus on just one or two.
A former player close to Bumrah stated, 'There's no doubt about Bumrah’s importance. However, we must decide on a strategy for his usage. Bowlers like Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh have shown they can win test matches. We should back them.'
'Bumrah should focus more on limited-overs cricket. With T20 and ODI World Cups and the IPL in the next two years, it would be better for him to consistently play in a single format rather than juggling all formats sporadically. This will benefit the team more.'
