Former Batting Coach Believes Rohit, Virat Can Play Till 40, Draws Comparisons To Sachin and Dravid

Recently one of India's biggest names in cricket for the modern generation, Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of the game. As fans gave the opening batter an emotional farewell, some started to speculate that the retirement of India's biggest cricketing stars- Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was not far behind. 

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both announced their retirement from T20 cricket soon after winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, held in the USA and West Indies. Both Kohli and Rohit are in the twilight parts of their career as they are currently 35 and 37 years of age respectively. 

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There is speculation going around as next years Champions Trophy or The World Test Championship could be the last time the two greats play together. 

Sanjay Banger Believes Indian Greats Will Play Till 40 

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Banger believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play much longer than most of the former Indian cricketers who came before them. He drew comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid both of whom played well into their forties and believes that the Kohli and Rohit can play even longer thanks to the improved fitness standards and nutrition.  

"I think Rohit will continue to play as long as his body and fitness allows him to. Because a player of that quality – Sachin played till 40, even Rahul played till 40 – with better fitness standards, more professionals are looking after players. Like a lot of nutritionists also are helping. The players' careers are going to get longer, and in that process, if it benefits the Indian team, nothing like it. Even with Virat, depends on his body. The last format that he would give up away will be Test cricket. So, I am sure that you will see Virat playing Test cricket for another five years," said Sanjay Banger on an episode of the Rao Podcast. 

Banger's Take On Rohit Retiring If India Won ODI World Cup 

When asked about whether Rohit Sharma would have retired if India had defeated Australia in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Banger refused this take and said Rohit would have continued playing even if India had not lost the 19th November final. 

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"Hard to say, but I think like in 2015, 2019 and 2023, all those three World Cups. They had a dream campaign, before we were outplayed by Australia in the final. They played out of their skins to chase down that score. I would have still believed that because he is leading the team, and he has tasted success now – India still wants to win the World Test Championship – there is something to look forward to. In today's time and age, the World Cup in happening every second year, or every year you have an ICC tournament. I don't think that would have been a factor. India winning the World Cup doesn't mean that Rohit is going to walk away," said Sanjay Banger.