Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Longevity in Cricket’s Modern Era
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have the potential to surpass the illustrious careers of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. This optimistic outlook stems from the evolving landscape of modern cricket, which emphasizes workload management and player longevity.
Bangar, speaking on The Rao Podcast, highlighted the advancements in fitness regimes and support systems that are enabling players to extend their playing years. He noted that Rohit Sharma, who is currently 35 years old, could continue playing for several more years if his fitness permits.
“Sachin played till 40, and even Rahul played till 40,” Bangar said. “With better fitness standards and more professionals looking after players, including nutritionists, careers are going to get longer.”
Bangar also emphasized Kohli’s unwavering commitment to Test cricket, suggesting that it would be the last format he would give up. “Even with Virat, it depends on his body,” Bangar said. “The last format that he would give away will be Test cricket. So, I am sure that you will see Virat playing Test cricket for another five years.”
The pursuit of major trophies, such as the World Cup and World Test Championship, could further motivate Kohli and Sharma to prolong their careers. “India winning the World Cup doesn’t mean that Rohit is going to walk away,” Bangar explained. “Rohit has tasted success now, and India still wants to win the World Test Championship—there is something to look forward to.”
Bangar’s predictions are based on the changing dynamics of modern cricket, where players are increasingly prioritizing their health and longevity. With the support of advanced fitness and recovery techniques, Kohli and Sharma have the potential to continue their dominance in the game for years to come.
