Last Updated on 3 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes India need Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kaif said their experience will prove vital in a big tournament in away conditions.
There has been plenty of speculation regarding Rohit’s future, with reports suggesting the Lord’s ODI against England could be his last. However, Kaif says this would be a mistake on India’s part.
India need Rohit and Virat in the 2027 ODI World Cup… look what Lionel Messi is doing at 39 for Argentina – Mohammad Kaif
“The 2027 phase will be very important. People are talking about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma because it won’t be an easy World Cup,” Kaif said on cricbuzz.
“The conditions will be different, there will be bouncy pitches, and India will need both these players there. We would definitely want them to play as many matches as possible from now on and remain in good form.”
Kaif used Lionel Messi as an example. The 39-year-old has inspired Argentina, playing a central role in their run to the FIFA World Cup Final.
“Lionel Messi is 39 years old and his team has reached the FIFA World Cup Final. He didn’t score in the semifinal but provided an (two) assist (s),” Kaif said.
“That’s what experience brings. When you have younger players who can finish the job, experienced players know how to guide them and create opportunities, So just like Messi is for Argentina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is for India in World Cup.”
However, there are concerns over Rohit’s form. The great opener has managed just 241 runs in eight matches this year at an average of 30.12. There is a view that India wish to give Yashasvi Jaiswal a run ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Kohli, on the other hand, has scored 310 runs in five ODIs in 2026 at an average of 62 and strike rate of 102.33.
