Sanjay Bangar, a former batting coach for Team India, believes Virat Kohli will continue to play Test cricket for five more years. There were questions regarding the 35-year-old’s future in the other two formats when he declared his retirement from Twenty20 internationals. The great batter, who is still in the starting lineup for both Tests and ODIs, hasn’t disclosed his retirement plans or future goals, either.
Though Bangar noted that it ultimately depends on how his body feels, he thinks Kohli is fit enough to play red-ball cricket for many more years. The 51-year-old added that, because he is so committed to doing well against the red ball, Test cricket will be the last format he gives up on.
“The players’ careers will lengthen, and if that helps the Indian team along the way, it’s unmatched.” It is dependent on Virat’s body even with him. Test cricket would be the final format he would give up. Thus, Sanjay Bangar stated in the Rao podcast, “I am confident that you will see Virat playing Test cricket for another five years.”
With an average of 49.15, Kohli has amassed 8848 runs in 113 Test matches thus far. In the next six months, he is likely to play ten more matches. India will play two two-match series against Bangladesh and three three-match series against New Zealand before heading to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which starts on November 22.
As long as his body permits it, Rohit Sharma will play Test cricket, according to Sanjay Bangar.
He said that players like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, who played the format until they were almost 40, may extend their careers because of the recent improvements in fitness standards.
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“I believe Rohit will play for as long as his health and condition permit. A player of that caliber—Sachin and Rahul both played until 40—needs higher levels of fitness, which is why more experts are taking care of players. Like many dietitians are also contributing,” Sanjay Bangar continued.