Speculations about Rohit Sharma’s future were hogging the limelight over the past few days. Former Indian legend Kapil Dev said that if the player does retire, fans should celebrate his career rather than feel sad. The 67-year-old, in a recent chat with PTI, said that Rohit and Virat Kohli aren’t certainties in the team.

Both players will have to perform to the best of their abilities if they want to play the next ODI World Cup. “Certainty can never be applied to anyone. Whoever performs well and keeps playing, it doesn’t matter who it is.”

The former Indian legend also said, “Sachin Tendulkar also had a lot of cricket left in him when he retired.

I am not going to say who should be dropped as it is the job of the selectors and the team management. Sitting and assessing after watching on TV is easy. Give the responsibility to the management and the selectors to pick the best team. If they lose, we should stand by them.”

In the same chat, the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper praised Rohit and said, “He is not 20 years old anymore, and everyone has to retire. The amount of happiness Rohit has given to not just Indian fans but also around the world hats off to him. What he has given us for so many years, we should be proud of that.”

Can veteran duo play next World Cup?

Virat and Rohit will be aiming for the perfect swansong as they look to win the ODI World Cup next year. Both batters have plenty of experience with the bat and also as captains. In 2023, the Men in Blue reached the final before losing to Australia in Ahmedabad.

If form and fitness permit, both players can carry on till the global event in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

The duo also created history on Sunday when they became the first pair to appear in 400 ODIs together during the final game against England at Lord’s.