Rohit Sharma exit may force Virat Kohli out: Former Pakistan cricketer

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali has warned that any attempt to push Rohit Sharma into retirement could have repercussions beyond the Indian captain, suggesting that Virat Kohli could also decide to call time on his career.

Speculations about Rohit’s future have intensified ahead of India’s final ODI against England at Lord’s, reports suggested the 39-year-old could be considering his future in the format.

Basit argued that Rohit should continue if his performances justify his place in the side and warned against judgment based on recent results alone. The former Pakistan cricketer went a step further and claimed that the pressure on Rohit could also affect Kohli’s future plans.

“If he continues to perform, he should keep playing. Right now, if you want to judge him only on his performances in the two matches in England or Gautam Gambhir’s likes and dislikes, then you should also keep Virat Kohli in mind,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.

“If it’s Rohit’s turn today, it could be Virat’s next. With the way Virat has retired from Test cricket, there is a possibility that both of them could announce their retirement at Lord’s. If too much pressure is applied, I feel such a decision could end, which would be a huge mistake because the cricketing world wants Virat to keep playing,” added Basit.

FOCUSED ON ROHIT, KOHLI’S FUTURE

Rohit’s future has become a major point of discussion after scores of 11 and 26 in the opening two ODIs against England. Despite the scrutiny, the Indian team management has publicly backed the veteran opener, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak insisting that Rohit remains “too good” a player to be affected by outside noise.

Questions surrounding Kohli’s future have also grown since the former India captain retired from Test cricket in May 2025. However, the 37-year-old remains a key member of the ODI side and played an important role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year.

Basit believes pushing out older players could deprive fans of the chance to celebrate the two modern-day greats on their own terms. The former Pakistan batsman also insisted that players of Rohit’s stature deserve to be farewelled in front of home fans rather than overseas crowds.

“We’ll see what happens in the game tomorrow. But if it turns out to be his last game, then he’s been a really great ambassador. I wish it wasn’t his last game. And if you have to say goodbye to someone, let them say goodbye to their own people,” he said.

While Rohit struggled for runs in the series, Kohli enjoyed a decent outing in Cardiff, scoring 65 off 66 balls with the help of eight fours, though his efforts ultimately went in vain as India suffered a four-wicket defeat. While the focus remains firmly on Rohit ahead of the Lord’s ODI, India will also be eager for the series.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

17 Jul 2026 18:25 IST