Sohail Tanvir Lauds Kohli and Rohit Sharma's Impact on Indian Cricket

Former Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir has praised Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, emphasizing their invaluable contributions and experience. He believes their continued presence is a blessing for Indian cricket, as both players have delivered remarkable performances throughout their careers. Tanvir highlights Kohli's impressive statistics and the joy he has brought to fans, while also expressing hope for Rohit to maintain his form and fitness. As both players approach retirement, their legacy in the sport remains significant, and Tanvir argues that age can be an asset if coupled with performance. Read on to discover more about their impact on cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 7, 2026, 04:50 IST

Praise for India's Cricket Icons

Dubai [UAE], October 7: Sohail Tanvir, a former fast bowler from Pakistan, has expressed admiration for India's cricket legends, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He emphasized that their vast experience and contributions to the sport are invaluable assets for Indian cricket.

Kohli, recognized as one of the finest batsmen of his generation, has had an illustrious international career. Meanwhile, Rohit, now 39, continues to play a pivotal role for India in One Day Internationals (ODIs).

For context, the duo, affectionately known as Ro-Ko, announced their retirement from T20I cricket in June 2024 after winning the ICC T20 World Cup in Barbados, and they plan to retire from Test cricket in May 2025.

In a conversation about Kohli, Tanvir remarked that the former Indian captain's statistics and overall impact on cricket are self-evident. He commended Kohli for the joy and unforgettable moments he has brought to cricket enthusiasts.

“Kohli's achievements are so significant that they speak volumes on their own. Beyond just Indian cricket, his contributions to the global game and the joy he has provided to fans through his remarkable skills are commendable. He deserves all the accolades,” Tanvir stated.

Kohli has played 123 Tests, 317 ODIs, and 125 T20Is for India, accumulating 9,230 runs in Tests at an average of 46.85, which includes 30 centuries and 31 fifties. In ODIs, he has scored 15,109 runs at an impressive average of 58.78, with 55 centuries and 79 fifties. In T20Is, Kohli has amassed 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69, featuring one century and 38 fifties.

Tanvir expressed his hope that Kohli would continue to play for as long as possible, drawing a comparison to Rohit Sharma.

“Just as I mentioned regarding Rohit, having Kohli in the game for an extended period is a tremendous advantage for Indian cricket,” the former pacer added.

As Rohit approaches the latter stages of his career, there are concerns about his ability to compete until the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, especially considering the importance of age and fitness.

However, Tanvir argues that age should not be seen negatively, asserting that seasoned players can offer immense value to a team as long as they maintain their fitness and performance.

“If you stay fit and keep performing, age can actually be a double-edged sword. Many view age as a drawback, but I see it as a significant advantage for any team,” he explained.

Tanvir underscored the importance of experience, stating that veteran players not only excel in their own performances but also play a crucial role in mentoring younger teammates.

“With a wealth of experience, you instinctively manage your game while also possessing the wisdom to guide and elevate your fellow players,” he noted.

Rohit has shown impressive form in his recent ODI outings, scoring 92 and 101 against the West Indies in Mullanpur and Guwahati, followed by a score of 32 in Thiruvananthapuram during the three-match series. Prior to the West Indies series, he delivered a stellar performance with 138 runs against England at Lord's in the third ODI earlier this year.

Tanvir acknowledged that maintaining fitness and form is crucial for Rohit to continue competing at the highest level.

“Indeed, form and fitness are essential. If Rohit can sustain his fitness and rhythm, it would be a remarkable advantage for Indian cricket to have both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing for as long as possible,” Tanvir concluded.