Don't Write Them Off: 8 Reasons Why Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma Deserve To Play ODI World Cup 2027
As per a report in Dainik Jagran, neither Virat Kohli nor Rohit Sharma is guaranteed a spot in India's 2027 ODI World Cup squad. With both having retired from T20Is and Tests, match time will be limited, raising doubts among selectors and BCCI. To stay in contention, they reportedly must participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's domestic 50-over tournament starting December 2025.
Here are some strong reasons why The Duo Is A Must For World Cup 2027. https://zeenews.india.com/photos/sports/cricket/don-t-write-them-off-8-reasons-why-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-deserve-to-play-odi-world-cup-2027-2944228 Updated:Aug 10, 2025, 09:01 PM IST Roko Must For 2027 World Cup
1 / 10
As per a report in Dainik Jagran, neither Virat Kohli nor Rohit Sharma is guaranteed a spot in India's 2027 ODI World Cup squad. With both having retired from T20Is and Tests, match time will be limited, raising doubts among selectors and BCCI. To stay in contention, they reportedly must participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's domestic 50-over tournament starting December 2025.
Here are some strong reasons why The Duo Is A Must For World Cup 2027. The Leader
2 / 10
Rohit Sharma has led India to victory in 23 of his last 24 ICC matches, showcasing an unmatched winning streak. His calm temperament and tactical acumen have made him a reliable leader, performing consistently under pressure to guide India to success on the world stage. Rohit Sharma's Phenomenal Overall ODI Stats
3 / 10
Rohit Sharma has played 273 ODIs, scoring 11,168 runs in 265 innings with 36 not outs. Averaging close to 49 with a strike rate around 90, he owns 31 centuries and 55 half-centuries, including a record three double hundreds. His unmatched ability to convert starts into monumental scores makes him one of ODI cricket's all-time greats. Rohit Sharma's Dominance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup
4 / 10
Rohit scored 597 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup at an impressive average of 54.27 and strike rate of 126. His ability to deliver aggressive yet stable starts was vital in building solid foundations for India's innings across diverse conditions. Consistent Match-Winner in Champions Trophy 2025
5 / 10
Rohit's influence continued as he earned the Player of the Match award in the 2025 Champions Trophy. His outstanding performance in critical matches solidifies his status as India's premier match-winner and captain, someone who delivers when it matters the most. Virat Kohli's Historic Record at the 2023 World Cup
6 / 10
Virat Kohli was the Player of the Tournament at the 2023 World Cup, scoring 765 runs in 11 innings at an astounding average of 95.62. His three centuries and six fifties highlight his exceptional consistency and ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks. Virat's Strong Contribution in 2025 Champions Trophy
7 / 10
Kohli continued his fine form in the 2025 Champions Trophy with 218 runs at an average of 54.50, including an unbeaten century against Pakistan. His presence adds experience and stability in pressure situations, proving he remains a vital cog in India's ODI machinery. Virat Kohli's Stellar Career ODI Stats
8 / 10
Virat Kohli has played 302 ODIs, scoring 14,181 runs in 290 innings with 45 not outs. He boasts a highest score of 183, an incredible batting average of 57.88, and a total of 15,192 career ODI balls faced at a strike rate of 93.34. Kohli holds a record 51 centuries and 74 half-centuries, with 1,325 fours and 152 sixes to his name. His unmatched consistency makes him the greatest ODI batsman of the modern era. Rohit's and Virat's Commitment Beyond Age
9 / 10
At ages 38 and 36 respectively, both Rohit and Virat continue to defy age norms, showing remarkable fitness, passion, and determination. Their sustained performances demonstrate their ability to contribute meaningfully in the 2027 World Cup despite competition from younger Legends Deserve Respect - Farewells vs Criticism
10 / 10
While countries like Australia plan grand farewells for Kohli and Rohit during their 2025 tour, Indian cricket faces criticism for questioning their futures. These legends have shaped an era with unmatched records and resilience. They deserve honour and respect, not doubts or premature farewells, as their legacy inspires generations ahead.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
17 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Virat Kohli quells retirement rumours with silent gesture, hints at Australia ODI tour return
Former India captain Virat Kohli silently quelled retirement rumours that have gripped Indian cricket since the conclusion of the England tour. Earlier reports had hinted that the international careers of Kohli and Rohit Sharma were nearing their end, suggesting that the duo might not extend their ODI journey until the 2027 World Cup. However, Kohli put the chatter to rest without uttering a single word. Virat Kohli dropped a hint on his ODI return(AFP) A few days ago, Kohli shared a picture on his Instagram story with Gujarat Titans' assistant coach Naeem Amin, following an indoor net session. He captioned the post: "Thanks for helping out with the hit, brother. Always lovely to see you." The picture suggested that Kohli had returned to practice after a short break following the rigorous IPL season, signalling that he was still active and focused on preparation. Despite this, a report in Dainik Jagran speculated that Kohli's international career could come to an end on the upcoming tour of Australia. The report noted that if both Kohli and Rohit wished to prolong their ODI careers, they would need to participate in domestic cricket to remain relevant and maintain their place in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. In the days that followed, a fan shared the Instagram picture with the caption: "Virat Kohli prepping for the Aussie ODIs." Kohli's official Instagram account liked the post, further fueling speculation about his ongoing preparation for international matches. The India legend will hence return to action later this year in October for the three-match series Down Under. Following the media frenzy, the BCCI stepped in to clarify the situation. The board stated that it was not concerned about Kohli and Rohit's future at the moment, as the immediate focus was entirely on the upcoming Asia Cup and preparations for the T20 World Cup next year. "Obviously, if they (Rohit and Kohli) have plans regarding their future, they would inform the BCCI brass, just as they did before the England Test tour. From the Indian team's perspective, the next major assignment is the T20 World Cup in February, and the immediate focus is on fielding the best possible team for the Asia Cup while ensuring all players are fit and available," a source privy to the developments told PTI on condition of anonymity. The report also emphasised that the BCCI would not make any hasty decisions given the significant public interest surrounding the two stars. Additionally, media rumours suggesting that the board had offered Kohli and Rohit a farewell game in Sydney on October 25 were dismissed. A BCCI source confirmed that no such discussions had taken place so far, underscoring that the duo's future remained entirely in their hands, with the board concentrating on upcoming tournaments.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Could Jitesh, Jurel's finishing finesse better India's T20 template?
Mumbai: For the longest time, India's wicket-keeper batter used to be the first name listed on the team sheet. He would know the pulse of the changing game, play with minds of the opposition, take his team home more often than not, execute razor-sharp stumpings and if all of this wasn't enough, captain the side to make himself undroppable. After MS Dhoni left, India has struggled for a wicket-keeper batter who can hold his own in the T20 format. Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Jitesh Sharma. (AFP) In the past three T20 World Cups, formulaic picks have delivered sub-par returns. Rishabh Pant has been a constant, but is yet to ace the format. His great ability to second-guess the bowlers in the Test format seems to desert him in T20 cricket, where he is often chained by teams bowling to him on one side of the wicket. The temptation to give the free-spirited left-hander another chance to break free is always there in a big event. But it's been 76 T20Is now. In any case, he won't come into consideration for the Asia Cup, currently recovering from the foot injury from the England tour. The other team regular has been KL Rahul. Sometimes donning the gloves, or in the squad because he can also keep. Best suited to bat at the top of the order, Rahul was there in UAE 2021 and Australia 2022 but his batting tempo like the rest of India's campaign in those tournaments was outdated. In IPL, Rahul regularly delivers 500 plus runs in a season, a useful tick across the box in a long T20 competition. But taking time to get off the blocks and batting too long is a playing style India wanted to abandon which saw Rahul lose his place in the 2024 World Cup. Now, the top order is brimming with options. Among the contenders is Sanju Samson. Forced to stay on the bench throughout the last World Cup, the power packed batter has been in his elements after being shuffled up the order. 'You'll be removed from the team only after 21 ducks,' Gautam Gambhir told Samson when he took time to find his bearings. It's the kind of hyperbole the Indian head coach frequently uses. For Samson, who's waited forever to become an India regular, he needed just those words of reassurance. 522 of the right hander's 861 career runs have come as an opener and his Strike Rate has shot up to 178, while it was meandering in the 120s earlier. Samson is expected to keep his place in the Asia Cup squad despite recurring dismissals against the short ball in the previous England series. But the competition at the top will remain intense and the selectors would prefer to pick someone who can bat down the order as the other wicket-keeper. It's one area where resources are still scarce. Hardik Pandya is by far India's best finisher. But given his higher ceiling, they would want to utilize him at No.5 more frequently by identifying more finishers. Rinku Singh won't be dumped in a hurry, but he is not a finished article yet. The strongest contender from this year's IPL is Jitesh Sharma. The wicket-keeper batter from Vidarbha always possessed the power to clear the ropes. Playing the finishing role for RCB, Jitesh was able to show his impudence with ramps and scoops, a recent addition to his power hitting. His only serious competition for that slot comes from Dhruv Jurel. The Rajasthan Royals wicket-keeper batter first made a mark playing cameos down the order in the IPL. Subsequently, he was promoted by the franchise to No.5 this year - he had a mixed season - and in the limited opportunities he has got in the national set up, is known to have impressed Gambhir and the selectors. Having passed the eye test, Jurel will remain in contention even though he may be the understudy across formats for now. 'With someone like Dhruv, you have to be careful. We only look at Orange Cap and we say they are the ones who have performed. In every single match, Dhruv has come out in, he's been chasing 13-14 runs per over — that is not easy. The performance metrics for someone who is batting at No. 5 (and below) have to be very different,' RR head coach Rahul Dravid had recently come to Jurel's defence. When the selectors sit to pick a lower-order finisher who can keep wickets, they would have internalized Dravid's words of wisdom.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Rishabh Pant's fractured foot in a cast, India Test vice-captain expresses frustration
Rishabh Pant has vented his frustration over his plastered foot and posted a photo of the same on his Instagram stories on Wednesday. Pant Pant was struck on his left foot during the first day of an epic Test match between India and England at Old Trafford. The five-match series itself has been rated as among the greatest of this century and Pant was at the forefront as India's vice-captain and arguably their most consistent run scorer in the format going into it. He lived up to that reputation by scoring centuries in both innings of the first Test as well. 'I hate this sooo much,' said Pant in his story in a text on the picture of his plastered foot. Pant had to be taken off the field on a golf cart after suffering the injury on Day 1. In a late night meeting that day, the BCCI medical team said the wicket-keeper would need six weeks of rest. But could he just bat for this Test with the help of pain-killers, they were asked. 'He could, if need be,' was the answer. As it turned out, Pant did travel to the stadium and he hobbled his way down the steps in full batting gear as well to continue his innings after Shardul Thakur was dismissed. He had retired hurt on 37 and he ended up scoring 54 in 75 balls. Pant was hailed for his efforts in the innings. India head coach Gautam Gambhir said after the match, which India drew against all odds, that the 'character and foundation of the team' will be built on what Pant did. 'Any amount of praise is not enough for him, especially batting with a broken foot,' said Gambhir. 'Not many people have done that in the past, and he had put his hand up and that is why I say it. Any amount of praise [is not enough]. I can sit here and talk about this for hours and hours. I think the generations to come forward will talk about this, and generations coming forward should talk about it that there is someone who's batted with a broken foot. 'It's unfortunate because of the kind of form he was in, but again, he's an important member of the Test side, and I hope he recovers quickly and comes back quickly, and try and deliver again for us,' Gambhir said.
