The growing concerns over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s chances of playing in the ICC World Cup 2027, which begins in October next year, have subsided. Both veterans have been among the runs in the recently concluded ODI series against the West Indies, scoring a century each. For now, the murmurs surrounding their futures have died down. Kohli will turn 39 during the World Cup next year, while Rohit will be over 40. Age, however, should not be a deterrent to their chances, feels BCCI president Mithun Manhas.
As far as the BCCI is concerned, we are not in a position to comment because it all depends on the selectors and the coaches. But from how I look at it, fitness and performance should be the criteria for selection, and definitely not age,” he told Sportstar.
“If somebody is fit to play, and you see him performing and winning games for the country, that is the only criterion we should focus on.”
Under ODI captain Shubman Gill, having the likes of Kohli, Rohit and Hardik Pandya in the team will help, feels Manhas.
“Having Virat, Hardik and Rohit in the side will definitely help him. Then there are the likes of Bumrah, who could lead, who can be the bowling captains, and then somebody who will be the fielding captain. So, it is all about the distribution of workload,” Manhas said.
“They have been under pressure, and they have delivered so many times in crunch situations. So, it is a good combination,” he said.
Former India batter Mohammad Kaif shared his opinions regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is set to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. He pointed out that the playing conditions in South Africa have become batting-friendly. Kaif added that the difference in the quality of the bowling attacks will determine the winner. In addition to some other matches, the two semi-finals and the final of the mega event will be hosted by South Africa. Cape Town, Centurion, and Johannesburg are the venues for the three important clashes.
“The conditions have become much better in South Africa, there are a lot of batting-friendly pitches. So, I don’t think bowlers will dominate. I feel batters will dominate, so the team with better bowlers will do well,” said Kaif, as quoted by Hindustan Sports.
“The focus is on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, I think they will be fine. If India have to win, bowling and fielding must be sorted out. They are the two important aspects,” he added.
