Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar opened up about ace batter Virat Kohli playing Test cricket at least for another five years. Kohli, 35, recently retired from the shortest format after India’s win in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA as well. The veteran batter has often expressed that the Test format is his top priority and Kohli has played 113 Tests for India, smashing 8,848 runs at an average of 49.15 with 29 centuries as well.

Talking about Kohli’s future in the game on the Rao Podcast, Bangar said: “The players’ careers are going to get longer, and in that process, if it benefits the Indian team, nothing like it. Even with Virat, depends on his body. The last format that he would give up away will be Test cricket. So, I am sure that you will see Virat playing Test cricket for another five years. I think Rohit will continue to play as long as his body and fitness allows him to. Because a player of that quality – Sachin played till 40, even Rahul played till 40 – with better fitness standards, more professionals are looking after players. Like a lot of nutritionists also are helping.”

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However, Rohit Sharma also announced his T20I retirement after India’s recent T20 World Cup win as well. Meanwhile, Tendulkar finished his amazing international career in 2013 at 40, while Dravid played his last match for India at 39. Notably, Sanjay Bangar does not believe Rohit Sharma would have retired from the game had India won the 2023 ODI World Cup as well.

“I would have still believed that because he is leading the team, and he has tasted success now – India still wants to win the World Test Championship – there is something to look forward to. In today’s time and age, the World Cup in happening every second year, or every year you have an ICC tournament. I don’t think that would have been a factor. India winning the World Cup doesn’t mean that Rohit is going to walk away,” concluded Sanjay Bangar.