Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali has warned that any attempt to push Rohit Sharma towards retirement could have ramifications beyond the Indian captain, suggesting that Virat Kohli may also decide to call time on his career.

Speculation has intensified regarding Rohit’s future. Ahead of India’s final ODI against England at Lord’s, reports suggest that the 39-year-old may be considering his future in the format.

Basit argued that Rohit should remain as long as his performances justify his place in the team and cautioned against evaluating him based only on recent results. The former Pakistan cricketer went a step further and claimed that the pressure on Rohit could also affect Kohli’s future plans.

“If he continues to perform, he should continue to play. Right now, if you want to judge him only on the basis of his performance in the two matches in England or the likes and dislikes of Gautam Gambhir, you should also keep Virat Kohli in mind,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.

Basit said, “If it is Rohit’s turn today, next time it could be Virat’s. Looking at the way Virat has retired from Test cricket, there is a possibility that both of them may announce their retirement at Lord’s. If too much pressure is put, I think such a decision may have to be taken, which would be a big mistake, because the cricket world still wants to see Virat playing.”

Spotlight on future of Rohit, Kohli

Rohit’s future has become a major discussion topic After scores of 11 and 26 in the opening two ODIs against England. Despite the scrutiny, India’s team management has publicly supported the experienced opener, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak insisting that Rohit is “too good” a player to be affected by outside noise.

Questions regarding Kohli’s future have also increased since the former India captain retired from Test cricket in May 2025. The 37-year-old, however, remains a key member of the ODI team and played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this year.

Basit believes that leaving out the senior players could rob fans of the opportunity to celebrate two modern greats on their own terms. The former Pakistan batsman also stressed that a player of Rohit’s stature deserves a farewell in front of home supporters rather than a foreign crowd.

He said, “Let’s see what happens in the match the day after tomorrow. But if this turns out to be his last game, he has really been a great ambassador. I wish this was not his last match. And if you have to bid farewell to someone, let him bid farewell to his people.”

While Rohit struggled for runs in the series, Kohli did well in Cardiff, scoring 65 runs with eight fours in 66 balls, although his efforts ultimately went in vain as India lost by four wickets. While all eyes are on Rohit before the Lord’s ODI, India will also be keen to win the series.

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