Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar predicted longer careers for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma than legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Bangar highlighted advancements in fitness regimes and support systems as key factors. He also emphasized Kohli’s strong commitment to Test cricket, suggesting Test cricket would be the last format Kohli would leave.

How long will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play for India? Former batting coach makes bold claims

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar predicts prolonged careers for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, possibly surpassing the career spans of legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. This outlook comes as Team India ramps up its focus on workload management, enabling players to selectively participate in series, further enhancing their longevity in the game.
Bangar stated on The Rao Podcast that modern cricket’s evolution, bolstered by advanced fitness regimes and support systems, may allow Kohli and Sharma to extend their playing years.

“I think Rohit will continue to play as long as his body and fitness allow him to,” Bangar noted. “Sachin played till 40, and even Rahul played till 40. With better fitness standards and more professionals looking after players, including nutritionists, careers are going to get longer. In that process, if it benefits the Indian team, nothing like it.”

He also underscored Kohli’s strong commitment to Test cricket, suggesting it would be the last format the prolific batsman would leave.
“Even with Virat, it depends on his body. 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,” Bangar said.

Addressing India’s recent World Cup campaigns and their ambition to win the World Test Championship, Bangar expressed that these goals could motivate Kohli and Sharma to prolong their careers further.
“In today’s time and age, the World Cup is happening every second year, or every year you have an ICC tournament. I don’t think that would have been a factor. 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.”