In the ever-churning rumor mill of Indian cricket, the mere whisper of change can spark a national debate. The latest? A growing, albeit unfounded, conversation around the ODI futures of two of the game’s greatest: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. But now, a powerful voice has stepped in to shut it all down.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has delivered a passionate and unequivocal verdict: their places in the ODI setup are non-negotiable and deserve a different, more respectful standard of evaluation.
Table of Contents
- Bangar’s Stunning Defense of the Legends
- Why Legacy Matters: Sanjay Bangar on Kohli and Sharma
- The Current Form Argument
- Bangar: The Coach Behind the Dominance
- What This Means for India’s ODI Future
- Conclusion: Give Them Space
- Sources
Bangar’s Stunning Defense of the Legends
Amidst persistent, speculative chatter, Sanjay Bangar has been a consistent voice of reason and support for the veteran duo. He has firmly stated that they have, in a sense, ‘earned the right to retire on their own terms’ within the ODI format, a privilege granted by their colossal contributions to Indian cricket .
“Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma have retired … in the minds of some fans and critics,” Bangar seems to be saying, but his message is clear: such a narrative is not only premature but also disrespectful. He implores the cricketing world to simply “give them space”. This is not a plea for blind loyalty, but a call for a more holistic assessment that goes beyond a single series or a few quiet innings.
Why Legacy Matters: Sanjay Bangar on Kohli and Sharma
Bangar’s stance is rooted in a deep understanding of what these two players bring to the table that a simple batting average can’t capture. His core argument is that their years of service, their proven ability to deliver under the most intense pressure, and their irreplaceable leadership within the dressing room warrant a unique evaluation standard.
It’s not just about runs on the board; it’s about the impact on team morale and performance. Their mere presence in the XI steadies a young side and signals a statement of intent to the opposition. To question their spots, Bangar believes, is to overlook the immense psychological and strategic value they provide.
The Current Form Argument
Detractors often point to fluctuating form, but even this argument is shaky ground. While the 2025 ODI season has been limited for both, their recent body of work remains formidable.
- Virat Kohli: Since 2023, Kohli has been in sublime ODI form, amassing 1,710 runs at a staggering average of 61.07, including 7 centuries .
- Rohit Sharma: The ‘Hitman’ finished the 2025 ODI season with a solid 650 runs in 14 innings, maintaining a healthy average of 50.00 . His career ODI stats remain among the very best, with over 11,000 runs .
These aren’t the numbers of players past their prime; they are the numbers of world-class batsmen still at the top of their game.
Bangar: The Coach Behind the Dominance
Sanjay Bangar isn’t just any commentator; his opinion carries immense weight due to his direct role in shaping India’s batting golden era. As India’s batting coach from 2014 to 2019, his five-year tenure was nothing short of historic .
Under his guidance, India:
- Secured a historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 .
- Claimed the ICC Test Championship mace for three consecutive years (2017-2019) .
- Witnessed the peak performances of both Kohli and Sharma across all formats.
Bangar’s system, his ability to manage egos, and his focus on building a resilient batting unit laid the foundation for India’s overseas success. He knows the value of these two players better than most, having worked with them at the absolute height of their powers.
What This Means for India’s ODI Future
Bangar’s intervention is a crucial reminder for the team management and selectors. Building for the future doesn’t have to mean discarding the past. A balanced side that leverages the experience of Kohli and Sharma alongside the raw talent of a Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shubman Gill [[INTERNAL_LINK:young-indian-batsmen]] is the ideal path forward.
The transition will happen, but it should be on the players’ terms and at a time that serves the team’s best interests, not a media-driven deadline. For now, as long as they are willing and able, their presence in the ODI jersey is a strategic asset, not a sentimental burden.
Conclusion: Give Them Space
Sanjay Bangar’s message is a masterclass in respecting legacy while planning for the future. His defense of Sanjay Bangar on Kohli and Sharma is a call for patience, understanding, and above all, space for two legends to write their own final chapters. India’s cricketing fabric is richer for their contributions, and their final acts deserve to be played out with the same grace and respect that defined their careers. Let the speculation end, and let the game speak.
Sources
- Times of India: Ex-India batting coach opens up on Kohli & Sharma
- ESPNcricinfo: Player Stats for Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma [[10], [11], [19]]
- ICC: Historical Records & Rankings
- Various reports on Sanjay Bangar’s coaching tenure [[20], [21]]