[Credit: Getty] Rohit and Kohli (L), Gambhir (R)

Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra feels it was the right decision for the legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to be part of the ODI squad for the upcoming Sri Lankan tour. Nehra highlighted the importance of the senior pair gelling with newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir as early as possible, something the Sri Lankan series should enable.

The Men in Blue are coming off a sensational title run in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Kohli and Rohit were expected to take a break until the Tests later in the year.

Talking about the duo being part of the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming Sri Lankan series, Nehra said on Sports Tak:

“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. 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.”

He added:

“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.”

Team India will play three T20Is, starting July 27, before the three-match ODI series from August 2 to 7 on the Sri Lankan tour. It will be Gambhir’s first assignment as the Indian head coach after taking over from Rahul Dravid.

“It depends on how passionate and how motivated you are” – Ashish Nehra on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharm playing the 2027 ODI World Cup

Rohit and Kohli saw India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign end on a bitter note.
Ashish Nehra believes Kohli and Rohit could play in the 2027 ODI World Cup as long as they have the passion and motivation to keep going. However, the former player cautioned them that the youngsters will be coming for their places in the next few years.

“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,” said Nehra on Sprts Tak.

While Kohli was part of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup winning side, Rohit has never tasted success in the 50-over World Cup.

The duo were close to glory in the home World Cup last year before a defeat in the final defeat to Australia.