India drawing England 2-2 in the hotly contested Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was a celebration of a new generation of cricketers’ own confidence and courage to commit their bodies for the nation and the team. Mohammed Siraj bowled nearly 200 overs, pulling his knackered body through five Tests, Washington Sundar never retreated, Yashasvi Jaiswal played his part when it mattered the most, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna were all heart, and Sai Sudharsan provided brief glimpses of his long-term value. But this coming-of-age performance has a different angle to it.
What happens to the old guard, like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, who have been retired from T20Is and ODIs, and Jasprit Bumrah, whose injury-ridden body requires utmost care? Kohli is 36 and Rohit is 38, and they may be next spotted in action during the away three-match ODI series against Australia, then another three one-dayers at home against South Africa.
Road to 2027 World Cup: Enough Game Time for Seniors?
They then have an opportunity to play six ODIs on home and away trips against New Zealand and England from January to July 2026.
But is that a good enough build-up to keep them ready for the 50-over World Cup in 2027 in South Africa? Will the distinguished duo have the desire to continue that long on the back of just one format and the IPL? “Yes, it will be discussed soon. We still have more than two years for the next World Cup (November 2027). Both Kohli and Rohit will be pushing 40 by then, so, there has to be a clear plan ahead for the big event as our last win was in 2011. We also need to try out a few youngsters in time,” a source indicated to PTI.
Quiet Test Retirement and Future Conversations Ahead
While they departed the T20Is on a high after a World Cup victory in 2024, Kohli and Rohit both had to opt for a very quiet retirement from Tests.
So, will the former captains be allowed to choose a place and time on their own to move out or will they be phased out with future in mind? “Look, both Kohli and Rohit have made huge contributions to white ball cricket for the team and the sport in general. They have achieved almost everything.
“So, I don’t think nobody’s going to force their hand, but there will be some honest and professional conversations before the next ODI cycle starts to see where they stand mentally and physically. It depends on that,” he added.
Match Practice Gap Could Prove Problematic
The other concern is the absence of match practice for Kohli and Rohit as they have not played any matches since the March early this year Champions Trophy, and there are no domestic white ball tournaments before the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20s in November and then the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December.
According to the current BCCI diktat, a player should not miss out on domestic games when he is in top shape, and going against it can result in exclusion from national teams.
Although the status that Kohli and Rohit possess may perhaps grant them an exemption, if at all.
But Bumrah presents a different situation, in that the physios have plotted a certain course for his future abroad which made him feature in only three Tests of England.
Most think it is time to map out a clear plan how to use the ace pacer.
Expert View: Limit Bumrah to White Ball Formats
“There is no question on the value that he brings to the side. But the management and board need to discuss how to use him as an all format bowler or should he be asked to concentrate only on one or two formats,” a former player, who has seen Bumrah from close quarters, told PTI.
“Siraj, Akash Deep and Prasidh have shown us that they can win Tests for India. Let’s back them fully. We have two important tournaments (T20 and ODI WC) coming our way, and we need Bumrah ready for them. For home matches (vs West Indies, SA), we have Washi and Kuldeep along with Jadeja, and Bumrah’s role will not be that big here.
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“So, if you ask me, he should be asked to focus more on white ball formats for now as there are enough T20s and one-dayers for him to play in the next two years. Yeah, IPL too is there. It’s better to have him play all matches in one format rather than him playing a few matches in all formats. It adds value to the team,” he noted.
