'Everybody has to retire': Kapil Dev gives his verdict on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's World Cup future amid retirement rumours

'Everybody has to retire': Kapil Dev gives his verdict on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's World Cup future amid retirement rumours originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:Kapil Dev says no player, including Rohit-Kohli, deserves a guaranteed spot. • >Urges fans to celebrate Rohit Sharma's career rather than mourn his exit. • >Wants Indian selectors to prioritise winning combinations over age or reputation.Kapil Dev weighs in on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's World Cup futureWorld Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has made his stance clear on the futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating plainly that no player, however legendary, can claim a guaranteed place in the Indian side. However, he believes both veterans deserve to continue as long as their performances justify it.

>Speculation surrounding Rohit's future has picked up significant pace as India prepared for the crucial series-deciding ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday.

>Several reports have suggested this could be his final appearance in the format altogether, given he has already bid farewell to both Tests and T20Is.

>MORE: 'Will work it out': Morkel backs Rohit to shine at Lord's

>Speaking to ANI on Saturday, the man who led India to World Cup glory in 1983 emphasised that every great cricketer eventually reaches the end of their journey, and that Rohit's contributions to the sport, both in India and globally, deserve recognition rather than mourning.

>“No, let’s say happy. Why sad? He has given us so much happiness over the years. Everybody has to go. Sunil Gavaskar gone, Rahul gone, Anil Kumble gone, Sachin gone. Everybody has to go," Kapil said.

>“So when he goes, we should celebrate his life. What a happiness, how much entertainment he has given to the country, not only to the country, but also around the world. We should be happy, why sad?"

>MORE: Report claims Rohit ignored Agarkar's warning before Test retirement and captaincy axe

BCCI/Creimas

No guarantees for anyone, says KapilSpeaking further during an interaction at the Kapil Dev Sunil Gupta Hospital, the veteran stressed that certainty simply doesn't exist for any player, regardless of stature.

>“Certainty is never ever applied to anybody. Whoever keeps performing, keeps playing. It doesn't matter (who he is). I would say, you keep watching the performance and let them play as much as they can,” Kapil told PTI.

>He added that selectors and the current team management are best positioned to make these calls, noting that even Tendulkar had cricket left in him when he eventually walked away, yet the decision-making process ultimately rests with those running the team rather than outside observers like himself watching from a television screen.

>MORE: Former India coach dissects Rohit's performance vs England amid retirement rumours

>“Even Sachin Tendulkar had a lot of cricket left in him (when he retired). Let the selectors do that job," he said.

>"I'm not going to say who's dropped. It's the selectors' and the team management's job. I'm assessing after watching television, so it's easy to talk about that. Let's give the responsibility to the management and to the selectors to pick the best team. If they lose, we should stand by them."

>Kapil urged selectors to prioritise building a team capable of winning matches over factors like age or reputation. He acknowledged that transition is a natural part of sport, and that eventually, fresh talent will step up to take over regardless.

>“Transition is the method they want to use. It's ok, doesn't matter, let them. Tomorrow, a new boy will come, and he will take over. We just have to sit back, watch, and enjoy ourselves," he said.

>“I think it's taking time, but we have so much talent. They have to focus on who's going to play. Don't try to make too many shifts. Winning is the most important. If anybody is good, don't go by his age, don't go by his stature. You just have to pick a team that can win for India."

BCCI/Creimas

Kapil's balanced view is exactly what Indian cricket needsWhat Kapil offers here is something this debate rarely gets: a middle ground, instead of the usual tug-of-war between blindly defending legends and rushing to write them off.

>And his core argument, that runs on the board matters more than reputation, is tough to poke holes in. That logic doesn't bend for Rohit, Kohli, or the next young player pushing for a place, either.

>MORE: Kaif cites Messi example to explain why India needs Kohli and Rohit Sharma at 2027 World Cup

>What stands out most, though, is his refusal to turn this into a sentimental farewell tour narrative. Careers end, and that's normal, not tragic. If Indian cricket genuinely wants to build a team capable of winning the 2027 World Cup, results and current form must guide selection, not reputation built over a decade.

>Kapil's advice to simply trust the process while appreciating what these players have already given the game feels like the most level-headed take amid all the noise.

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