Exclusive Interview: Deep Dasgupta reckons whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s career is about to end; speaks about his journey from cricketer to commentator

Deep Dasgupta is a former wicketkeeper-batter for the Indian cricket team who made a significant contribution with his game. After retiring from cricket, he entered the field of commentary and analysis, and today, he is a well-known cricket expert. He is highly popular among the audience due to his deep knowledge of cricket.

Renowned cricket commentator Deep spoke candidly on several important topics in an exclusive interview for our Youtube channel. He shared his views on the ongoing discussions regarding the careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, addressing whether these two great cricketers are in the final phase of their careers or if they can still make a significant contribution to Indian cricket.

Additionally, Deep opened up about his journey in the world of commentary, his experiences in cricket, and his career in this profession.

Here’s the full interview, where he shares many interesting anecdotes related to cricket and his career.

1) Question: How did it all begin? Initially, you were a gymnast, so how did you develop an interest in cricket?

Deep: I always thought about cricket because we belong to the ’83 generation. Since childhood, I had decided to play cricket. I developed a bond with the game by watching Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and all the players of the 1983 World Cup. Everyone at home was also a cricket fan, as is the case in most Indian households. So, cricket was always on my mind.

Back then, cricket wasn’t as organized as it is today, where kids start going to academies at the age of four or five. There was no such system at that time. In Delhi, there was a National Stadium, where cricket activities have now stopped, but earlier, academies for all sports operated under the NIS. I was very young then, maybe seven or eight years old, and there was no permission to play cricket before the age of 11 or 12. There was no official age limit, though.

That’s why I started with gymnastics. The reason for this was my elder brother—he was a national-level athlete. He had to go for training, so I started accompanying him. Since I wasn’t allowed to play cricket at that age, but gymnastics was open to seven-or eight-year-olds, I took it up. That’s how my journey started with gymnastics before gradually shifting to cricket.

As for my most memorable moments in cricket, playing was a different experience altogether. But commentary is also an incredible job, in my opinion. However, playing the game is still unique – nothing compares to that experience.

2) Question: What was the most memorable moment of your cricket career? Was it your Test debut, which every cricketer dreams of since childhood? You also played a brilliant innings in your second Test match. Tell us about that experience.

Deep: Yes, a lot was happening outside the dressing room. The match referee had banned and fined some players, so the atmosphere was quite tense. But our senior players reassured us, saying, “The Test match is not over yet. Don’t pay attention to what’s happening outside. We will handle everything. You just focus on your game.”

In my first Test match, I came in to bat at number seven. But before the second Test, Sourav Ganguly told me, “You have to open.” I immediately responded, “I have no problem; I will play anywhere. I just want to play, whether it’s at number one or eleven.” He said, “Okay, then you will open.” And so, I opened in the second Test.

In that match, we had to bat the entire last day. I walked in to bat during the last session of the fourth day and had to play through the fifth day. It was a very special experience for me. Rahul Dravid was batting with me, and playing alongside him was a great learning opportunity in itself. The way he guided me, I understood how great players think and play. That innings with him was one of the most memorable moments of my career.

Also READ: An exclusive interview with Harmeet Singh: From India U19 to USA, Admiration for Yuvraj Singh, IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals

3) Question: You are now a cricket commentator. How much do you enjoy commentary?

Deep: I think there is no better job than this. You get to watch the match, talk about it, travel, and that’s your job. What could be better? You wake up in the morning, go to the ground, watch the match, and discuss it—it’s truly an amazing experience. Being a commentator is great, and when people enjoy your analysis and listen to you, it feels even more rewarding. It’s a job filled with passion, and I absolutely love it.

4) Question: Who is your favourite commentator?

Deep: Commentary, like cricket, is a team effort. Just as every player in a cricket team has a different role—some are openers, some are middle-order batters, some are spinners, and some are fast bowlers – the same applies to a commentary team. Everyone brings their unique strengths. Some have a strong command of language, some provide deep insights into the game, and everyone has a different way of analyzing it.

For example, if someone was a batter, their perspective will differ from someone who was a bowler. Some commentators are great storytellers, some view the game from a coaching perspective and others focus on in-depth analysis.

From my experience, all the commentators I’ve worked with are excellent in their own ways. So, it wouldn’t be fair to name just one favorite. I’ve been in this profession for ten years now, and I’ve had the privilege of working with many legends. There is no formal school or academy for commentary, so every day is a learning experience. Especially when working with senior commentators, I’ve learned a lot from them. I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with such big names, all of whom have been incredibly supportive.

5) Question: People say that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s careers are nearing an end. What do you think – are they in their final phase?

Deep: In my opinion, Rohit and Virat are still very much present in ODI cricket. The real question is about their future in Test cricket. As I’ve said before, both of them are such great players that their cricket careers should never be questioned, nor should there be any speculation. No player can score 32 ODI centuries or 81 international centuries just like that – these two are legends.

Now, the biggest question isn’t how many more years they can play, but whether they still have the same hunger and passion they had ten years ago. Both have achieved a lot – individually and for the team. They have won the World Cup, set numerous records. The real question is whether they still have the same drive as before. If they do, they will continue to play and perform well. But neither you nor I can answer that – only Rohit and Virat can.

The key question is: Are they still willing to make the same sacrifices? Are they ready to wake up early every morning for training and hours of practice? Will they continue to prioritize cricket over special family occasions? If their hunger remains the same, they will keep playing at the highest level. But if that hunger diminishes, it will be difficult for them to continue.

Additionally, with age, fitness and reflexes naturally decline. This means they will have to work even harder on their bodies. The question is whether they are still prepared to show the same level of dedication. If they are, they will continue playing. But if not, challenges will arise.