Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two Indian batters formerly coached by Sanjay Bangar, are expected to enjoy longer careers than Tendulkar and Dravid who were legends in the game. The Indian team’s workload management strategy is based on selective participation that will increase the longevity of players during matches.
According to Bangar on The Rao Podcast, modern cricket’s advancement with its innovated fitness regimes and support systems could have Kohli & Sharma playing for much longer.
“Rohit will continue as long as his body and fitness allow him,” observed Bangar. “Sachin played till 40, Rahul also played till 40. Now if we have better fitness standards and more professionals looking after players including nutritionists, then careers are going to get longer in that process. In that process, if it benefits the Indian team, nothing like it.”
He also revealed how committed Kohli was specifically to playing Test cricket even hinting this would be his last format as a batsman of great repute.
“Even with Virat, it all depends on his body. The last format for him to relinquish will be the test matches. So, I am certain that you can expect a Test cricket from Virat for another five years,” Bangar told.
Bangar reflected on Kohli and Sharma’s career span, India’s World Cup campaign, and their aspirations to win the World Test Championship in his speech.
“In this day and age, every other year is the world cup, or an ICC tournament comes around. That wouldn’t have mattered I don’t think. If India won the World Cup then Rohit would not walk away from it,” said Bangar. “Rohit has tasted success now, and India still wants to win the World Test Championship—there is something to look forward.”
