Gautam Gambhir addressed his first press conference as the head coach of the Indian cricket team (ICT) on Monday (July 22). He was accompanied by chief selector Ajit Agarkar at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters in Mumbai for a pre-departure presser ahead of India's tour of Sri Lanka.
While the duo was flooded with a range of questions, one revolved around how much international cricket is ahead of the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli who announced their retirement from T20 Internationals (T20Is) post India's epic ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.
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Gambhir said that it depends on the players as well but put one condition on fulfilment of which they can even feature in the ODI World Cup 2027.
Ultimately It Is Upto The Players: Gautam Gambhir
"They (Rohit, Kohli) have shown what they can deliver at the big stage. Whether it was the T20 World Cup or the 50-overs World Cup as well. One thing I can be very clear of is that both of them have a lot of cricket left in them. More importantly with ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and a big tour of Australia, they would be motivated enough," Gambhir told the media.
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"Hopefully, if they can keep their fitness then 2027 World Cup (ODI) as well. But yes this is a very personal decision. I can't say how much cricket is left in them. Ultimately it is upto them as well, it is upto the players. How much can they contribute to the team's success because ultimately it is the team that is important," the former India batter said.