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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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