'I believe in performances' - Sourav Ganguly backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue playing for India in coming years

After India suffered a tough 209-run loss in the World Test Championship final against Australia, the impact of India's experienced players have been discussed and dissected by fans as well as experts. Two of India's modern-day batting legends, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, failed to make a mark in the WTC final. While captain Rohit scored 15 and 43 in the two innings, Kohli made 14 and 49.

There are sections of cricket enthusiasts calling out the performances of these two stalwarts, especially in ICC knockouts. Former India captain, Sourav Ganguly, has come out in support of Rohit and Virat, stating that with ICC events coming up every year, the two experienced players will have key roles to play.

“I don’t believe too much in last time, first time. I believe in performances. I think they are 34-35, I don’t know what’s going to happen in the next World Cup. There are world tournaments every year - T20 cricket, 50-over cricket. It’s not like as in the past when we started - one every four years, and then the Champions Trophy came in. So it’s about performances, and I am sure Rohit as captain and Virat will be wanting to make it a big one, not from a personal point of view but from winning it. I think that’s the biggest," Ganguly told Star Sports.

It’s going to be a great experience playing in the World Cup at home: Rohit Sharma

India are going to play nine league matches in the upcoming ODI World Cup across nine venues. The two-time champions will begin their campaign on October 8 when they face Australia in Chennai. Rohit Sharma, who will lead the side in the 10-team tournament, said in a statement released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that the World Cup will be more competitive this year.

“It’s going to be a great experience playing in the World Cup at home. India won here 12 years ago, and I know fans nationwide can’t wait for us to take the field this time. This World Cup is going to be very competitive as the game has become faster, and the teams are playing more positively than ever before. All this augurs well for fans worldwide, promising them many thrilling moments.

“We look forward to preparing well and being at our best this October-November,” Rohit said in a statement released by BCCI."