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Harbhajan Sends Strong Message To Selectors On Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli For 2027 ODI World Cup
Follow UsTheir performances against the Proteas showed they are still operating at peak level
India head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar may be dodging direct answers about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s involvement in the 2027 ODI World Cup, but former spinner Harbhajan Singh has issued a clear warning: India can’t afford to even consider going into the tournament without their two biggest white-ball match-winners.
Since returning to international cricket during the ODI series in Australia, both stalwarts have looked in ominous touch. Rohit Sharma smashed 8, 73 and an unbeaten 121 to claim Player of the Series, and carried that form into the South Africa series with scores of 57, 14 and 75.
Kohli started slowly with back-to-back ducks in Australia, but roared back with an unbeaten 74 before tearing into South Africa with 135 (120), 102 (93) and 65* (45), earning the Player of the Series award himself.
Their performances against the Proteas showed they are still operating at peak level and are determined to push for the 2027 ODI World Cup. By then, Kohli will be 39 and Rohit 40, but this recent run of form has underlined how crucial both will be to India’s chances of lifting the trophy.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, as quoted by the Times of India, Harbhajan said: “Are there bigger and better players than Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? You shouldn't sideline them but instead think about how to build the team around them.
“If you lose experience in the pursuit of youth, then it can be a problem in big matches. So they must play, and this will be a big World Cup because after that, it's possible they'll never play another World Cup.
“It’s okay to look towards the younger players, but don’t ignore the players who are already proven performers with the ability to deliver in big matches. The batting order looks so solid with them.”
Harbhajan also pointed to India’s dominant run in the 2023 ODI World Cup under Rohit Sharma - unbeaten until the heartbreaking final vs Australia. “The way India played under Rohit Sharma was unbelievable. So the first two names should be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and the rest of the team should be formed after that.
“Whether India win the World Cup or not in 2027 is a different story. But at least there won’t be the regret that they didn’t play their best players. If their fitness is intact, they should be ready. These two are your best players… they should always play.”