“Both of them are phenomenal”- Ganguly says Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should continue in ODIs for India

Sourav Ganguly also opened up on his second stint in cricket administration

Given their "phenomenal" performances in the fifty-overs international cricket format, former India captain Sourav Ganguly said on Sunday that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should continue playing ODIs as long as they are playing well.

Ganguly responded to media rumors claiming that the forthcoming ODI series in Australia would be the final one for the renowned team, saying he was not aware of any such development. Ganguly emphasized that performance should be the deciding factor in extending their careers.

“I’m not aware of this, can’t comment on this. It’s difficult to say. Whoever does well will play. If they do well, they should continue. Kohli’s one-day record is phenomenal, even Rohit Sharma’s. Both of them are phenomenal in white-ball cricket,” Ganguly said at an event, quoted by PTI.

Both Kohli and Rohit have already played their final T20I and Test matches, and reports indicate that the October trip to Australia may be their final ODI performances. The two have not yet made a commitment to aim for the 2027 World Cup.

India will play three home ODIs against South Africa in December after starting their ODI tour of Australia on October 19 with games in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney.

ODI series against New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, the West Indies, and another match against New Zealand are all scheduled for 2026.

After a much-needed rest following the demanding five Test matches in England, Ganguly said the Indian squad would be the favorites in the upcoming T20 Asia Cup in Dubai, which begins on September 9.

“They are in the middle of a break. After the IPL, they played five Tests, and now they will play the Asia Cup from September 9. India is very strong, and if they are strong in red-ball cricket, they are even stronger in white-ball cricket. So, in my opinion, India are favorites, and beating them on those good Dubai wickets will be very tough,” Ganguly said.

Asked about Shubman Gill’s prospects as Test captain, Ganguly praised the young Indian Test skipper: “He’s India’s Test captain, and his future is full of promise."

Ganguly added that he would submit his nomination and that he is prepared for a second term in cricket administration.

“If members wish, will file nomination (for CAB president’s post)," added the former BCCI president, who was CAB president from mid-2015 to October 2019.