Kohli and Sharma Poised for Record-Breaking Careers, Says Bangar

Kohli and Sharma Poised for Record-Breaking Careers, Says Bangar

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.

Rohit Sharma Set for IPL Mega Auction, Punjab Kings Express Interest

Rohit Sharma Set for IPL Mega Auction, Punjab Kings Express Interest

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is poised to be a blockbuster event, with several high-profile players potentially switching franchises. Among the most sought-after names is Rohit Sharma, the former Mumbai Indians captain.

Rohit’s departure from the Mumbai Indians has been widely anticipated since his removal as captain ahead of the 2024 season. The move, which saw Hardik Pandya take over the reins, drew criticism from fans and former cricketers alike.

Given his immense brand value, Rohit is expected to attract significant interest if he enters the auction pool. With the BCCI likely to limit teams to retaining only six players, the chances of Rohit playing for a new franchise next season are high.

One team that has openly expressed interest in Rohit is the Punjab Kings, who are yet to win an IPL title. Sanjay Bangar, the team’s Director of Cricket Operations, acknowledged their desire to acquire Rohit but emphasized that it would depend on their financial situation.

“It all depends on whether we have the money in our pockets. If Rohit comes in the auction, I certainly believe he is going to go for a high price,” Bangar said in an interview.

With Shikhar Dhawan retiring from all forms of cricket, the Punjab Kings are in need of a new captain. Rohit, with his experience and leadership qualities, would be an ideal candidate for the role.

Despite being 37 years old, Rohit’s performances in the recent T20 World Cup demonstrated that he still possesses the skills and determination to excel at the highest level. His presence in the Punjab Kings lineup would undoubtedly boost their chances of success in the upcoming IPL season.

Sanjay Bangar Believes Virat Kohli Should Have Continued as India's Test Captain

Sanjay Bangar Believes Virat Kohli Should Have Continued as India’s Test Captain

Virat Kohli’s decision to step down as India’s Test captain in January 2022 raised eyebrows, with many believing he should have continued in the role. Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar echoed this sentiment, stating that Kohli could have led India in red-ball cricket for a longer period.

Kohli’s tenure as Test captain was marked by unprecedented success. He took over from MS Dhoni in 2014 and led the team in 68 matches, securing 40 victories with a win percentage of 58.82. Under his leadership, India achieved historic milestones, including their maiden Test series triumph in Australia in 2018, victories in the West Indies, and reaching the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final in 2021.

Kohli’s home record as captain was particularly impressive, with 24 wins out of 31 Tests played in India, and only two losses. His aggressive and fearless approach inspired the team to numerous memorable victories.

However, Kohli’s decision to step down from the captaincy came as a surprise to many. Bangar believes that Kohli could have continued in the role for longer, given his exceptional leadership qualities and the team’s success under his guidance.

After Kohli’s departure, Rohit Sharma was named India’s skipper in all formats. Both Kohli and Rohit have since retired from T20Is, with Suryakumar Yadav taking over the leadership in the shortest format. Rohit continues to lead the team in ODIs and Test cricket.

Punjab Kings to Replace Trevor Bayliss with Indian Coach

Punjab Kings to Replace Trevor Bayliss with Indian Coach

Punjab Kings (PBKS) is reportedly set to part ways with head coach Trevor Bayliss, whose two-year contract has expired. The Australian coach took over from Anil Kumble ahead of the 2023 IPL season, but PBKS’s disappointing performances under his guidance have prompted the franchise to seek an Indian replacement.

Bayliss’s tenure at PBKS has been marked by underwhelming results, with the team finishing eighth and ninth in the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons, respectively. Despite the franchise’s lack of complaints about Bayliss’s coaching style, the team’s poor performance has ultimately led to his potential ouster.

The move to replace Bayliss with an Indian coach aligns with a recent trend in the IPL, where Indian coaches and mentors have achieved notable success with various franchises. PBKS is reportedly considering several options, including Sanjay Bangar, as Bayliss’s successor.

Bayliss’s departure from PBKS would follow the recent exit of Ricky Ponting as head coach of Delhi Capitals (DC). Ponting’s seven-year tenure at DC ended without an IPL title, and the franchise is now considering Sourav Ganguly, their current team director, as a potential replacement.

The coaching carousel in the IPL continues to spin, with franchises seeking to find the right combination of leadership and strategy to achieve success in the highly competitive tournament. PBKS’s decision to part ways with Bayliss and pursue an Indian coach is a reflection of the evolving landscape of the IPL, where Indian coaches are increasingly being recognized for their abilities.

Jonny Bairstow Available for Entire IPL Despite Recent Test Tour

Jonny Bairstow Available for Entire IPL Despite Recent Test Tour

England’s Jonny Bairstow, despite recently returning from a grueling Test tour of India, will be available for the entirety of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which commences on March 22. During the Dharamsala Test, BCCI officials engaged in discussions with their ECB counterparts regarding the availability of English players for the IPL.

While Test regulars Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Mark Wood have opted out of the lucrative T20 league due to ECB’s workload management strategy, Bairstow has confirmed his participation. “Bairstow is expected to arrive in India on March 18 or 19 and will be available for the team’s first game against Delhi Capitals on March 23,” revealed an IPL source.

Bairstow, who reached the milestone of 100 Tests in Dharamsala, endured a disappointing batting performance in India. The IPL provides him with an opportunity to regain his form and contribute to his team’s success.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have made significant changes to their coaching staff. Sanjay Bangar, appointed as cricket director ahead of the 2024 edition, will also serve as the batting coach. Bangar’s previous experience includes stints with RCB and as India’s batting coach.

Consequently, Wasim Jaffer, who held the position of batting consultant last season, has been released by the franchise. Punjab Kings, despite reaching the final in 2014, have consistently underperformed in the IPL. Head coach Trevor Bayliss’ contract expires after the season, and the team must qualify for the play-offs for him to be considered for an extension.

Dharamsala is expected to host Punjab’s final two home games, as it did last season. The remaining five home games will be played at the new stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart