Kapil Dev Suggests Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli may be past their 'prime': 'Shastri retired early, Sachin had a longer stint'

However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Rohit and Kohli will eventually retire from the sport, leaving a huge gap that will be difficult to fill. While they may still have much to contribute to Indian cricket, Kapil believes that a player's longevity in the game after the age of 34 is directly related to their fitness.

"In my opinion, the period between 26 and 34 years is your prime and thereafter the fitness of the players will ensure their longevity," Kapil was quoted as saying on MyKhel.

After India won the T20 World Cup in June, Kohli and Rohit announced their retirements from the format shortly after, capping off a storied end to their careers. With India having one eye already on the next 50-overs World Cup – at South Africa in 2027 – whether Kohli and Rohit can stretch that far is a question only time can answer. But with two ICC title up for grabs in 2025, rest assured, Ro-Ko are going to come at those titles hard now that they know what the joy of winning the World Cup as senior players is. While Kohli is yet to address his future – the closest he came to it was during the IPL when he said once he's done, he will be gone not to seen again for a while – Rohit made it clear that he's not going away anytime soon and will continue to represent, hopefully captain, India till his fitness allows.

Sachin Tendulkar played till 40, MS Dhoni 39. And with Kohli and Rohit having already given up one format, discarding their participation for the next World Cup may not be a bold call after all. Of course, it will take a lot out of them. For all you know, it may require Kohli and Rohit to stretch the last fibre of their being, but it's surely definitely doable. Having said that, Kapil avoided sharing his thoughts on when Kohli and Rohit should retire, emphasising that the decision is theirs alone and no one knows it better than Kohli and Rohit.

"Ravi Shastri retired at a very early age while Sachin Tendulkar had a longer stint. So it is completely up to the individual to decide their ways of life. My way of thinking is to stay fit and keep playing as long as you are enjoying the game," added Kapil.