sourav-backs-rohit-virat-to-continue-in-odis

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly on Sunday said that stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should continue in One-Day Internationals for as long as they deliver match-winning performances. He described their records in the format as “phenomenal”.

 

The former India captain was responding on Sunday to media speculation that the upcoming ODI series in Australia in October could be the final one for the duo, who have already drawn curtains on their T20I and Test careers.

 

“I’m not aware of this, can’t comment on this,” Ganguly maintained at an AWL Agri Business Ltd event in Kolkata, when asked about the reports. “It’s difficult to say. Whoever does well will play. If they do well, they should continue. Kohli’s one-day record is phenomenal, even Rohit Sharma’s. Both of them are phenomenal in white-ball cricket.”

 

Reports have suggested that the Australia tour, featuring matches in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney from October 19, might be their swansong in ODIs. The duo have so far remained tight-lipped about their plans for the 2027 World Cup.

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India’s 2026 calendar is packed, with ODI series scheduled against New Zealand, Afghanistan, England, the West Indies, and another contest with New Zealand.

 

Ganguly, who led India to the 2003 World Cup final and oversaw the transition into the Dhoni era, also weighed in on the upcoming T20 Asia Cup in Dubai from September 9. “India are very strong, and if they are strong in red-ball cricket, they are even stronger in white-ball cricket. So, in my opinion, India are favourites, and beating them on those good Dubai wickets will be very tough,” he said, adding that the squad would benefit from a much-needed break after five taxing Tests in England.

 

Asked about Shubman Gill’s future as Test captain, Ganguly said, “He’s India’s Test captain, and his future is full of promise.”

 

The 52-year-old, who served as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) from 2015 to 2019 before taking over as BCCI chief, confirmed he was preparing for another stint in cricket administration. “If members wish, will file nomination (for CAB president’s post),” he said.