Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are part of India's squad for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
The tour is slated to get underway with the three-match T20I series on July 27. It will be followed by an ODI series of three games, where Rohit and Kohli will be seen in action.
Rohit and Kohli’s inclusion in the ODI squad came as a surprise for many as it was reported earlier that the batting stalwarts might be rested before the beginning of India's extended Test season.
Meanwhile, former India pacer Ashish Nehra has expressed his delight to see Kohli and Rohit in the squad for the ODI series.
Kohli is 35 and Rohit is 37 which means that both players may not feature in the next 50-over World Cup in 2027. However, Nehra said it is good that the legendary duo will be able to get familiar with Gambhir as head coach.
“The good thing is, even though there is a chance that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli don't play in the major 50-over tournaments coming up but they are still there for this series in Sri Lanka,” Nehra said on Sports Tak.
"Gautam Gambhir has come as a new coach and the earlier they gel with him inside that dressing room environment the better, regardless of whether they knew each other for many years before that or not. So I like that they are playing the ODIs.
“Many a times it happens that after a major tournament like the World Cup you would want to give youngsters more chances. India already have a good pool of players for white-ball cricket and so the more time these youngsters spend time with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli the better it is for them,” he added.
In his first press conference as India head coach, Gautam Gambhir backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue playing until 2027 World Cup if they remain fit.
Sharing his thoughts on the same, Nehra said it will be a challenge for the two senior players to keep themselves ahead of younger batters coming through the ranks.
“It depends on how passionate and how motivated you are but we know that is not a problem when it comes to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. That is how they have managed to get to this stage in their careers. But from here on, as you grow older, there are players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan and so on who will be scoring runs. They will keep pushing you,” Nehra remarked.
Nehra said while no cricketer ever wants to retire, they eventually accept the limits of their bodies as the years catch up on them.
“I would have loved to remain 18 all my life. I never wanted to retire. If you ask Gautam Gambhir, your body is still quite fit, do you want to play? He will say yes, I am ready, I'll play instead of someone like Sai Sudharsan. But the way of the world is that you grow older and if younger players do well, you make way. Four years is a long time, so it is a great thought. If it can be done, nothing like it,” he concluded.