The contributions of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Indian cricket have once again been lauded, this time by a former India star, highlighting their irreplaceable value to the team. The praise comes after both players demonstrated their enduring class in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.
Harbhajan Singh, the former India spinner, commended Sharma and Kohli for their recent performances in the domestic tournament. Sharma blasted 155 off 94 deliveries for Mumbai against Sikkim, while Kohli struck a commanding 131 off 101 balls for Delhi against Andhra Pradesh. Singh emphasized that these centuries send a strong message, proving that domestic cricket is not just a warm-up exercise. He believes the presence of these seasoned players significantly boosts the confidence of younger cricketers. "When you go and play alongside domestic players, obviously it boosts their confidence as well," Singh noted, adding that Kohli's presence in Delhi's dressing room and Sharma's in Mumbai's provide invaluable learning experiences for the youngsters.
Kapil Dev, another former India captain, echoed similar sentiments, calling Sharma and Kohli "huge servants of Indian cricket". He stressed that no one can replace them in any format and that their recent T20I retirements will certainly be felt. Dev went on to compare their status in Indian cricket to that of legends Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, emphasizing their irreplaceable nature.
These accolades follow India's recent victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, led by Sharma, where Kohli played a crucial role with a 76-run knock in the final against South Africa. Following the World Cup win, both Sharma and Kohli announced their retirement from the T20I format.
Mohammad Kaif, another former India cricketer, has also praised Sharma and Kohli for their influence on young bowlers, noting their proactive advice and guidance to players like Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh. Kaif highlighted their selfless attitude, emphasizing that their primary motive is to help India win, regardless of personal credit.
Irfan Pathan has observed the camaraderie between Sharma and Kohli, noting that they seem to be enjoying each other's success more than ever. He pointed out their match-winning stands in recent ODIs and the visible excitement each displays when the other achieves a milestone. Pathan believes this camaraderie is a positive sign for Indian cricket, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon.
The consistent praise from former stars underscores the immense value and impact of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on Indian cricket. Their contributions extend beyond mere statistics; they serve as mentors, role models, and leaders, shaping the future of Indian cricket while continuing to deliver exceptional performances on the field. As Harbhajan Singh put it, their participation in domestic tournaments is not just about scoring runs but also about instilling good habits and confidence in the next generation of cricketers.
