As the T20 World Cup kicks off on June 1 in the West Indies and United States, Indian cricket stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are poised for what could be their final appearance on this grand stage. The two veterans, aged 37 and 35 respectively, have long been the torchbearers of Indian cricket, striving to end the nation’s global title drought since the 2013 Champions Trophy.
The duo’s last shot at World Cup glory came in the 2023 ODI World Cup at home, where India, despite a valiant effort, succumbed to Australia in a heartbreaking final at Ahmedabad’s colossal cricket stadium. Now, with the sands of time running low, both Rohit and Kohli are determined to seize this final opportunity.
“Rohit Sharma knows he isn’t going to play for too long now. Just two to three years more. Same with Virat Kohli,” former India batsman Mohammad Kaif remarked on Star Sports. “This is the last chance for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They lost the World Cup final in Ahmedabad. They played as if they had the cup snatched away from them. Hearts were broken and fans were devastated.”
The impending T20 World Cup is seen as a crucial juncture, with the next major tournaments scheduled for 2026 and 2027. For Sharma and Kohli, this event represents perhaps the final curtain call to their illustrious careers.
The contrast in their recent IPL performances adds an intriguing subplot to their World Cup campaign. Virat Kohli shone brightly, amassing 741 runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore, forming a formidable opening partnership with Faf du Plessis. “For me, Virat Kohli opens,” asserted former India batsman Ajay Jadeja on Jio Cinema. “If you have Virat in your side, you know consistency is the one thing you will get, so might as well use him. He’s the best at the top and the powerplay allows him to settle in.”
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, had a mixed IPL season. Stripped of the Mumbai Indians captaincy in favor of Hardik Pandya, Sharma managed 417 runs, including a scintillating 61-ball century against Chennai Super Kings. However, his form was inconsistent, with seven of his innings yielding just 88 runs. Despite these challenges, Sharma remains a crucial figure, known for his explosive batting style and leadership.
Both Sharma and Kohli have been instrumental in India’s past World Cup successes. Sharma was part of the victorious squad in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, while Kohli played a significant role in the 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, famously carrying cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders during the victory lap.
However, recent years have been less kind. Kohli, who stepped down as T20 captain in 2021 and was subsequently removed as ODI skipper, and Sharma, who took over the reins but has yet to secure a major title, both face immense pressure to deliver this time around.
India’s path in the T20 World Cup starts against Pakistan, Canada, the United States, and Ireland in the group phase. Kaif expressed confidence in India’s prospects, stating, “India hardly have competition in the group stage. There are only two main matches — the semi-final and the final.”
As the cricketing world watches, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will strive to script a fitting finale to their storied careers, aiming to lift a World Cup trophy and end India’s decade-long wait for a global title.