India’s 2011 World Cup Winner Explains Why Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Give 'India 90 % Chance Of Winning 2027 WC'

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has shared his thoughts on the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid the ongoing debate over their places in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Raina, who was part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad, believes India would have a major advantage if Rohit and Virat are part of the team for the tournament.

According to Raina, having the two experienced batters in India’s squad could give the team a 90 per cent chance of winning the World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

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Rohit and Virat have been important members of India’s ODI batting line-up for several years. However, with both players now in the later stages of their careers, their future continues to be discussed every time they have a poor outing or face an injury.

While there is a section that feels their experience remains crucial, others believe India have enough young talent to move on from the two veterans.

Raina Backs Rohit And Virat

Raina said he has played extensively with both Rohit and Virat and highlighted their experience, leadership and record of winning major trophies.

“We have a run machine at home, and we have a great captain who has won so many trophies in the IPL and for the country. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli need no introduction because I have played a lot of matches with them. This time, we are playing the World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe, and I think having both of them in the team gives us a 90 percent chance of winning the trophy,” Raina told Rediff.com.

How Rohit And Virat Performed Against England

Rohit and Virat last represented India in the three-match ODI series against England.

Virat finished the series with 144 runs. He scored five runs in the opening ODI before making 65 in the second match and 74 in the final game at Lord’s in London.

Rohit, meanwhile, had a difficult start to the series. He scored 11 and 26 in the first two ODIs but responded with a brilliant 138 in the third match. He finished the series with 175 runs.

Rohit And Virat Set For West Indies Series

The two senior batters are now set to return to action in India’s three-match ODI series against the West Indies. The series will begin on September 27, with the opening match scheduled to be played in Thiruvananthapuram.

India squad vs West Indies

Shubman Gill [C], Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul [VC], Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Naman Dhir.