The Champions Trophy, one of the most prestigious cricketing tournaments in the world, has seen some of the most talented players battle it out on the field. Among them, two names stand out – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. While Rohit has played in two editions of the tournament (2013 and 2017), Kohli has featured in three (2009, 2013, and 2017). However, there have been speculations about these two star players coming out of retirement for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Let us delve into the details and understand the possible reasons behind this buzz.
Recently, Basit Ali, the former Pakistani cricketer, sparked a debate when he stated that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might come out of retirement for the Champions Trophy if the format of the tournament changes. This statement has caused quite a stir in the cricketing world, with fans and experts speculating about the possibility of seeing these two legends back in action.
Before we delve into the reasons behind this speculation, let us first understand what the Champions Trophy is all about. The tournament, organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), features the top eight teams in the world and is held every four years. It is considered as a mini-World Cup, and the teams compete fiercely to get their hands on the coveted trophy. The format of the tournament has always been a 50-over knockout tournament, but Basit Ali suggested that it should be changed to a T20 format.
Now, coming back to the speculations, there are primarily two reasons behind Basit Ali’s statement. Firstly, the T20 format is considered more fast-paced and thrilling, which attracts a larger audience. With the recent success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), it is evident that T20 cricket has a massive fan following. Ali believes that a change in the format will make the Champions Trophy more exciting and bring in more viewership.
Secondly, both Rohit and Kohli have been exceptional players in the T20 format. Rohit, known for his explosive batting, has been a crucial member of the Indian Premier League franchise, Mumbai Indians, and has led them to four title victories. Similarly, Kohli, the current captain of the Indian cricket team, has been a consistent performer in the T20 format and has broken numerous records. With these two players at the forefront, a T20 format would undoubtedly increase India’s chances of winning the coveted trophy.
However, these speculations also raise questions about the retirement of these two players in the first place. Both Rohit and Kohli are still at the peak of their careers and have many years of cricket left in them. So, why did they announce their retirement from the Champions Trophy? The answer lies in the workload of the players.
The Indian cricket team is known to play a vast number of matches throughout the year, and it takes a toll on the players. The Champions Trophy, held in June, falls right in the middle of the Indian team’s busy schedule, and it becomes difficult for players to maintain their form and fitness. Hence, to manage their workload and avoid burnout, Rohit and Kohli decided to retire from the Champions Trophy. However, with the change in format, their workload would be significantly reduced, and they would be more inclined to play in the tournament.
Moreover, with the T20 World Cup scheduled for later this year, it would be an excellent opportunity for Rohit and Kohli to get some match practice and prepare for the mega event. Both these players have been crucial members of the Indian T20 team, and their presence would undoubtedly boost the team’s chances.
In addition to this, it is also worth mentioning that Rohit and Kohli have never won the Champions Trophy, despite being a part of the team in previous editions. This could be another reason why they might be considering coming out of retirement. These two players are known for their hunger for success and their never-give-up attitude, and winning the Champions Trophy would be a perfect addition to their already illustrious careers.
In conclusion, while the speculations about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli coming out of retirement for the Champions Trophy remain unconfirmed, it has certainly got the cricketing world buzzing with excitement. A change in the format of the tournament would not only make it more thrilling but also increase India’s chances of lifting the trophy. It is a win-win situation for both the players
