NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future in ODIs will not depend on their performances in the upcoming three-match series against Australia, says former India player Aakash Chopra. He stressed that three games cannot decide their future, given the legacy these two stalwarts hold.
India are set to play a three-match ODI series starting Sunday in Perth, followed by games in Adelaide and Sydney.
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The series has generated significant buzz, fueled by speculation about the future of Rohit and Kohli, both of whom have retired from Tests and T20Is.
"One thing is clear - three matches won't decide their future. They can't even decide their present because they have such a huge fantastic legacy. Their body of work is massive. So how can you say that you can drop them if three matches don't go good and keep them in the team if they do well in three matches?" Chopra responded on his YouTube channel after being asked for his views on Rohit and Kohli's future if they fail to perform against Australia.
"I am not going to be on that kind of boat or ship, and I won't speculate or anticipate at all because it shouldn't be done at all. Just think about it, we are talking about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They are absolute white-ball legends," he added.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma touch down in Perth as Team India arrives for Australia Tour - WATCH
With Shubman Gill's appointment as the ODI skipper, the national selectors have already hit the transition button in ODI cricket and there is a lot of doubt over the future of the ageing stalwarts who will be 39 (Kohli) and 40 (Rohit) respectively in 2027.
"The 50-over World Cup is still two and a half years away. It is very important to stay in the present. Obviously they are quality players. They are coming back. Their experience is going to be valuable in Australia.
"Hopefully those two guys can have a successful tour, and more importantly, as a team we can have a successful series," head coach Gambhir said when asked about the future of the two former skippers.
