Champions Trophy Winner Guarantees Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma's Spot In India's 2027 ODI World Cup Squad

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes senior batting duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still have a lot to contribute in ODI cricket and feels both veterans can be part of India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

With discussions growing around India’s transition to younger players, Kaif is not worried about the future of Kohli and Rohit. He believes the experienced pair will continue to play an important role for the team over the next few years.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif, who was part of India's 2002 Champions Trophy-winning squad, praised Rohit’s dedication and desire to keep performing at the highest level. He pointed out that the Indian captain is working hard on his fitness and has the passion needed to overcome the challenges that come with age and injuries.

“I will take the guarantee of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Rohit is working on his fitness, he will push himself and somehow manage to play. Injury happens to everyone, even to youngsters. He has that passion, the temperament is seen in his batting. His batting as a captain and as a player is very different. The approach has changed. He is not pouncing on every ball,” Kaif was quoted as saying on his YouTube channel.

Kaif also feels that many of the senior players who featured in India’s recent ODI setup will remain key members of the squad for the 2027 World Cup. Along with Rohit and Kohli, he expects players like Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav to continue playing major roles. He added that young talents such as Shubman Gill will strengthen the team further and help create a strong balance between youth and experience.

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“I feel that the playing 11 for the 2027 World Cup, it will be almost the same team that played in 2023. The majority of the players will be the same. You will have Bumrah, Kohli, Iyer, Rahul, Kuldeep, all these. So there are good chances. India will be the favourites with Bumrah, Kohli, Gill, even Hardik will be back. These are big names. The opposition will have to play their best cricket against India to beat them,” he stated.

India’s next ODI assignment will be a three-match series against England in July, where batting maestro Virat Kohli will be seen playing after missing the team's last assignment against Afghanistan due to hamstring injury.