West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle has come out in strong support of Indian superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, insisting that both still have plenty to offer the game. Amid ongoing debates about their future, Gayle urged fans and selectors not to write them off too soon.
"Without a doubt, Rohit and Virat still have a lot of cricket left in them," Gayle said. "Let’s not push them out already. The cricketing world needs those guys for as long as possible."
West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle has thrown his weight behind Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, urging fans and selectors not to dismiss their potential. "Without a doubt, Rohit and Virat still have a lot of cricket left in them. The cricketing world needs those guys for as long as possible," Gayle remarked, emphasizing their importance to Indian and global cricket.
Rohit Sharma’s Struggles in IPL 2025
Rohit Sharma’s form has been a cause for concern in the ongoing IPL 2025. The Mumbai Indians captain has managed just 56 runs in five innings at an average of 14, with a highest score of 18. His struggles at the top have hurt MI’s campaign, as they’ve struggled to chase big totals. Despite glimpses of his explosive batting, Rohit has failed to convert starts into meaningful contributions, drawing criticism from fans and experts alike.
Virat Kohli’s Consistent IPL Performance
In contrast, Virat Kohli has been in sublime form for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) this season. With 248 runs in six matches at an impressive average of 62 and a strike rate of 145.3, Kohli has already registered three half-centuries. His standout performances include an unbeaten 62 against Rajasthan Royals and a quickfire 67 against Mumbai Indians. Kohli’s consistency continues to make him one of the most dependable players in the IPL.
India’s Upcoming ICC Tournaments
India faces a packed international calendar, with marquee events like the ICC Champions Trophy in February-March 2025 and the World Test Championship (WTC) series against England in June. These tournaments will test India’s mettle across formats, with both Rohit and Kohli expected to play pivotal roles.
Kohli Eyes 2027 World Cup
Virat Kohli recently hinted at his ambition to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Speaking at an event, he expressed his desire to win the tournament, saying, “Maybe try to win the next World Cup.” Having already retired from T20Is after winning the 2024 World Cup, Kohli remains committed to excelling in ODIs and Tests.
Why we need RO-KO?
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been instrumental in India's cricketing success, contributing significantly to the team's trophy wins. Rohit, as captain, led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup victory and secured multiple Asia Cup titles, while also being the most successful IPL captain with five titles for Mumbai Indians. Virat Kohli, though not having won an ICC trophy as captain, has been a pivotal performer, notably in the 2024 T20 World Cup final where his crucial knock helped secure the title. Both players remain crucial for India's upcoming tournaments, including the Champions Trophy 2025.
