“Go and play in England” - Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma advised to be match-fit amid ODI future talks

Former Indian keeper-batter and commentator Deep Dasgupta has opened up on the future of Indian batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODIs, as the veteran duo is set to return to the field for the three-match ODI series Down Under against Australia later this year.

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While the duo’s last international game came against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final earlier this year, their next international assignment is scheduled to be against Australia in a three-match ODI series in October 2025.

Speaking exclusively on RevSportz, Deep Dasgupta has asserted that nobody has the right to stop them from playing the game of cricket. Also, he felt that as far as their performance is satisfactory, they are up for the challenge.

"Nobody has got that right. We never told them to start, so we are nobody to tell them when to stop. They stop when they stop. It's completely up to them," Dasgupta told RevSportz.

"Yes, as far as selection is concerned, we are in a performance-oriented industry. You keep performing, you stay. There is absolutely no two ways about it. I saw recently pictures of him (Rohit), he is looking fit, he is up and running and up for the challenge coming towards him,” he added.

With Team India playing very few ODIs until the start of the ICC World Cup 2027, the former keeper-batter has also suggested the veteran duo to take part in a few overseas leagues to stay match-fit. 

"For example, IPL will be there for two months. Then they will be playing 7-8 ODIs or maybe 8-9. Now between that, you've got the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Then, if they want, they can go and play 50 overs in England. So you have options to keep playing cricket, might not be at the highest level or international, but you still have,” he observed.

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"I don't know if there is a possibility, maybe go to South Africa or maybe go to Australia and play some 50-over games there. I know, as far as England is concerned, that's definitely an option. I don't know much about the rules involved with South Africa, Australia though, but the bottom line is the hunger. If they are hungry enough, they will find a way,” he concluded.

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