‘Time doesn't wait for anybody’: Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma’s ODI future under spotlight as calls grow for youth inclusion

Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma’s ODI future under spotlight as calls grow for youth inclusion (BCCI Photo)

Within a week after the conclusion of India's Test series against England, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are back in the headlines. Last Monday marked the end of the 25th and last day of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, but even though Ro-Ko is back on the scene, it's not for the better.

Two of India's modern-day batting greats are the subject of intense speculation over their future, with many believing that their illustrious careers may come to an end after India's tour of Australia in October.

As reported by Dainik Jagran, the ODIs in Australia might be the final time that Kohli and Rohit represent India unless they agree to play in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, according to a PTI source, no such conversation has occurred and Rohit and Kohli's case will only be examined until the conclusion of the T20 World Cup next year, which is currently the BCCI's top priority.

Weighing-in on the subject, former BCCI selector Devang Gandhi believes the board needs to get ready for life without Rohit and Kohli. Gandhi expressed that the duo should be phased out due to the large number of new players available and eager to dominate the 50-over format.

Gandhi is certain that the future of Indian cricket lies in developing young talent and blood following the England trip, where a young unit led by Shubman Gill managed a 2-2 draw in five-match Test series.

"How will you make players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharshan, among others, sit out when they have shown how well they can adapt? The bigger transition is from T20s to Tests. Once a player has done well in Test cricket and has the power game, ODIs should come easier to them. It is very important that the selectors and the team management sit together and take a call," Gandhi told Times of India.

Gandhi’s firm stance may be rooted in India’s impressive batting display in England. When Kohli and Rohit announced their Test retirements it seemed India might falter. Instead, the youngsters rose to the occasion and proved their mettle.

Furthermore, Gandhi claimed that Indian cricket appears to be in good hands because there is no lack of talent lined up in ODIs. However, if the youth are not properly cared the sport's present and future may be in danger. "If, say, in a year's time, we come to a situation where one of them is not firing and we need a replacement, the team management may not have enough time to prepare a player for the job. There's absolutely no doubt about the contribution of Rohit and Virat. But time doesn't wait for anybody," he added.