On Sunday in Dubai, India plays New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, maybe a last hurrah for seasoned players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Following tough periods in Test cricket, the 36-year-old Kohli and skipper Rohit, 37, arrived at the 50-over event amid conjecture over when they might retire.
Mainstays of a strong India squad for more than 15 years, the pair withdrew from T20 internationals following World Cup triumph last year. With the next 50-over World Cup not until 2027, this weekend might mark their last ODIs.
“I have no doubt Rohit would bring India a trophy. Former seam bowler Praveen Kumar informed The Times of India that he will soon be sporting another ICC trophy.
“I will merely say that Virat and Rohit, give us one more ICC trophy before you retire,” he said.
India, favourites with sky-high confidence, enter the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Though both sides had already advanced to the semi-finals by then, they have won all four of their matches at the eight-nation event, including defeating New Zealand by 44 runs in the group stages.
After refusing to visit Champions Trophy hosts Pakistan due of political unrest, Rohit’s side have played all their games in Dubai. Under duress, Rohit and Kohli entered the challenge.
Master batsman Kohli silenced his detractors with an undefeated 100 against arch-rivals Pakistan, then in the semi-finals smashed a match-winning 84 against world champions Australia.
Though the opener has been praised for giving the team strong starts to build totals on a stadium where batting is challenging, Rohit’s highest score is 41 in their first victory over Bangladesh.
India, hoping to win the Champions Trophy for a record third time, also have a world-class spin attack.
