Kohli and Rohit remain highly motivated to play the ODI World Cup in 2027.
Former Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir has stated that the continued presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in international cricket is a "blessing" for Indian cricket due to their vast experience and monumental contributions.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, both batting stalwarts remain highly motivated to play the ODI World Cup in 2027. In fact, they made a notable return to the Vijay Trophy during the 2025-26 domestic season to secure essential game time and counter the scarcity of scheduled international ODIs.
Speaking to ANI, Tanvir highlighted that Kohli's monumental records and his immense service to world cricket speak for themselves.
"Virat's numbers are so monumental that I don't even need to say anything—they speak for themselves. Beyond Indian cricket, look at the immense service he has rendered to world cricket, the countless moments of joy he has delivered, and how much he has entertained fans with his extraordinary talent. Full praise to him," Tanvir said while speaking to ANI.
Kohli has represented India in 123 Tests, 317 ODIs and 125 T20Is. He amassed 9,230 Test runs at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 fifties. In ODIs, the talisman has aggregated 15,109 runs at an average of 58.78, with 55 centuries and 79 fifties, while he has 4,188 T20I runs to his credit at an average of 48.69, including one century and 38 fifties.
Tanvir added that if Rohit can preserve his physical rhythm and form, it would be ideal for Indian cricket to have both him and Kohli playing for as long as possible.
“Just as I remarked about Rohit, having Kohli play for as long as possible is an absolute blessing for Indian cricket,” he added.
With Rohit on the verge of turning 40, questions have been raised over whether the veteran opener can continue until the quadrennial event in Africa, particularly with his fitness not as good as Kohli.
However, Tanvir threw his weight behind Rohit, citing that experience is a massive positive asset as long as players maintain their fitness and performance levels.
"If you keep yourself fit and maintain performance, age actually provides a double benefit. People often view age in a negative light, but I consider it a massive positive asset for any team," he said.
Tanvir noted that senior players possess the instinctual wisdom to manage their own game while providing invaluable guidance and mentorship to younger players on the squad.
"When you possess that vast store of experience, you not only manage your own game instinctively, but you also have the wisdom and stature to guide and uplift the teammates playing alongside you," he remarked.
Rohit Sharma produced scores of 31, 101 and 92 in recently held ODI series against the West Indies. Before the West Indies series, he struck a brilliant 138 against England at Lord's during the third ODI in July.
"Naturally, form and fitness remain prerequisites. If Rohit can preserve his fitness and rhythm, it would be a true blessing for Indian cricket to have both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continuing for as long as possible," Tanvir concluded.
(With ANI Inputs)