Gurbaz’s comments came at a time when the future of both Indian legends was in question despite their sublime form with the bat in ODI cricket. Notably, both Virat and Rohit have already retired from Test and T20I cricket, and now they aim to conclude their careers with the 2027 ICC World Cup.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz says rivals would celebrate if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli miss 2027 ICC World Cup
However, the Indian selectors have remained silent, making things even more uncertain. But both players have given loud answers with their performances. After impressing during the tour of Australia, Rohit hit a brilliant fifty while Kohli hit a majestic ton in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. These punches showed that the two icons are far from slowing down.
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Considering their form, experience and skills, Gurbaz noted that any opponent in the world would feel more comfortable if Rohit and Kohli did not play as beating India becomes much more difficult if both are in the XI. He called them legends who can change every game, even on difficult days.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was quoted by India Today as saying, “As an Afghan player, I will be happy if they are not in the team because if they are not in the team, you have a better chance of winning. They are legends. There is no chance that anyone will come and say that Virat and Rohit should not be in the same team. If they are not in the team, the opponents will be happy.”
Rahmanullah Gurbaz reveals how Virat Kohli gets him through tough times
The Afghan wicketkeeper-batsman also revealed that he often turns to Virat Kohli for help when he encounters a difficult patch in his batting. Over the past three years, Gurbaz has called or messaged Kohli several times to ask for advice when things felt tough, and he helped him.
Gurbaz said, “I sometimes call Virat Bhai when I am in trouble, when I need help. We talk, we call. I say, ‘Bhai, I need this help’, and then we usually discuss. Recently, when I was in a small situation where I couldn’t score, I called him – and in the next match I scored 90-plus.”
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Rahmanullah Gurbaz talks about Virat Kohli’s clear and easy guidance
The 24-year-old revealed that Kohli keeps his advice extremely simple and doesn’t complicate anything. The Indian star focuses on hard work, a clear mind and enjoying the game instead of thinking too much. Gurbaz said this approach has helped him perform with more freedom.
He concluded by saying, “You know, he’s just trying to work hard and enjoy himself. That’s how we all have to be. Because in cricket, you can’t be in a situation where you can’t enjoy the game. If you can’t enjoy the game, you can’t perform. So he’s the one who has always helped me over the last three years. Whenever I message him, whenever I call him, he’s always open to a conversation.”
Currently, both Rohit and Kohli are playing for India in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur. On the other hand, Gurbaz will play in the ILT20 2025 in the UAE.
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