‘They can still do everything that is required’ – New Zealand legend backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli for 2027 ODI World Cup

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (Source: BCCI)

Former New Zealand cricketer Tim Southee feels the Indian management should stick with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on the basis of their current form. Rohit and Kohli, who have already retired from T20Is and Test cricket, are currently featuring in the ODI series against South Africa.

Southee highlighted the senior duo’s current form, stating that they prove that age is indeed just a number. He also reckoned the decision to feature in the 2027 World Cup and beyond should be left on Rohit and Virat.

“Kohli is arguably the best ever one-day batter and if he is still performing, then why not? Rohit also scored a hundred a few days ago in the Australia series, so they are still performing. As long as they are contributing to the side, I believe age is only a number,” stated Tim Southee, as quoted by India Today.

“I guess that it is their decision. If they feel like they can still do everything that is required to play at the highest level, then why not. Like I mentioned, you have Virat Kohli, who is arguably the best ever one-day batter to have played the game, and if he is available for the one-day World Cup, then I imagine the team will want him to play,” he added.

Rohit secured the Player of the Series award in Australia despite India losing the three-match series 2-1n. On the other hand, Kohli has been in sublime touch against South Africa. He will enter the series-deciding clash on December 6 on the back of consecutive centuries in Ranchi (first ODI) and Raipur (second ODI).

The two will next feature in Men in Blue’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand in January next year. The 50-over segment of the white-ball series is scheduled to commence on January 11. The three matches will be played in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore.