India’s senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been under intense scrutiny due to their inconsistent performances with the bat, which have coincided with India’s exit from the World Test Championship. This dip in form has raised questions about whether it’s time for the two legendary cricketers to step aside from international cricket, especially as the Champions Trophy and a crucial tour to England loom on the horizon.

Amidst this speculation, former World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has expressed faith in Rohit and Kohli, trusting them to make the right decision about their careers. “They are very big players. Let’s hope when they think it’s the right time to play, and when they think it’s not, they will call it off,” Kapil Dev said in a statement quoted by PTI. He emphasized the self-awareness these seasoned players possess to judge their own paths forward.

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Both Rohit and Kohli had earlier retired from T20Is after guiding India to their second T20 World Cup title. Speculation has swirled around Rohit’s Test future, with reports suggesting he considered retiring after the Boxing Day Test, though he ultimately decided to stay on. However, Rohit was benched for the fifth Test in Sydney, with Jasprit Bumrah taking over the captaincy.

Virat Kohli, on the other hand, played all five Tests on the tour, starting with a stunning century in Perth that appeared to signal a return to form. Unfortunately, his struggles outside the off-stump resurfaced, and he managed only 90 runs in the remaining four matches.

Both players now face mounting pressure to deliver strong performances in the Champions Trophy, which could potentially mark a final chapter for several senior players, including Rohit and Kohli. Kapil Dev also weighed in on Bumrah’s captaincy, urging patience as the pace bowler adjusts to a leadership role.

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“If he has been given the opportunity to lead the side, then give him some time also,” Kapil Dev remarked, backing the pacer to grow into a long-term captaincy role if the management decides to persist with him.

As India’s cricketing landscape evolves, the performances and decisions of these senior players will undoubtedly shape the team’s immediate future.