'The cricketing world needs them' - Star West Indian player backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of 2025-27 WTC cycle

West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle has shown support for Indian batting stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, backing them to continue playing in Tests during India's upcoming tour of England. Gayle believes that as long as these two icons are part of the game, it is beneficial for world cricket. The Universe Boss emphasized that despite criticism over their recent struggles, especially in Test matches, both Kohli and Sharma still have much to offer.

Gayle told ANI that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still had a lot of cricket left in them and urged people not to push them out of the game. He emphasized that the cricketing world needed them and that it was great to have them around as they brought immense value to international cricket.

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“These guys still have a lot of cricket left in them. Don’t push them out. The cricketing world needs them. It’s great to have them around. They bring immense value to international cricket,” Gayle told to ANI, speaking at the launch of the second season of the Pro Cricket League, where he will represent Ghaziabad Bhawani Tigers.

#WATCH | Ghaziabad, UP | Former West Indies Cricketer Chris Gayle says, "Without a doubt, Rohit (Sharma) and Virat (Kohli) still have a lot of cricket left in them. Let's not push them out already. The cricketing world needs those guys for as long as possible. It's good to have… pic.twitter.com/5BZtLaIdVc

— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2025

Rohit and Virat's form is under scrutiny ahead of India's 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle

India's upcoming five-match Test series against England, which starts on June 20, marks the beginning of their 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. However, concerns over the form of Rohit and Virat loom large for India. Both veterans have faced significant criticism for their underperformance in recent Test series, including India’s first-ever home whitewash last year against New Zealand and their absence from this year’s WTC final.

In the 2024-25 season, Rohit managed only 164 runs in eight matches at an average of 10.93, while the former India skipper has accumulated just 382 runs in 10 matches at a disappointing average of 22.87. Since 2020, Kohli's Test form has struggled, averaging just 30.72 in 39 Tests, with only three centuries and nine fifties.