Former Indian World Cup-winning batsman and selector Kris Srikkanth has weighed in on the prospects of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup after both the legends performed brilliantly against Australia in Sydney.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ended all doubts over their possible rejection from the 2027 ICC World Cup as they made themselves surefire choices for the World Cup with their incredible performances in the comeback series against Australia.
Rohit organized and prepared his innings beautifully, but Virat Kohli had a very weak start due to consecutive zeroes; However, after reaching Sydney, Kohli looked at his peak. While Rohit played a brilliant inning of 202 runs, Kohli could score only 74 runs in the series.
“Rohit Sharma is a certainty in the 2027 World Cup. We can’t play without him and Virat Kohli” – Kris Srikkanth
The 38-year-old finished as the leading run-scorer and averaged 101 in the series with 121* not out in the last ODI. For his heroics, Rohit Sharma was awarded the Player of the Series.
Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, “Rohit Sharma is a certainty in the 2027 World Cup. We can’t play without him and Virat Kohli. Rohit Sharma has lost 11 kg and looks super fit. This was the old Rohit Sharma, with the touch game. He was batting so easily and playing the ball so late.”
He further added, “Don’t bring up this whole age issue that he is turning 40. He is fit, batting well and taking great catches at slip. What more do you want? He is playing with such ease like he did in the 2019 World Cup. The only thing is that he did not come in seventh or eighth gear and kept going in third and fourth gear.”
Srikkanth dismissed the efforts of other Indian players to contribute to India’s success, saying, “If we don’t stop, other teams will destroy us.”
Srikkanth also expressed his clear belief that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are very important for India in the 2027 ODI World Cup. He believes that both of these can take him to ultimate success.
Srikkanth said, “Both of them have to make India win the 2027 World Cup. If we don’t stop, other teams will eliminate us. If I were the chairman of the selection committee, I would have gone to them today and said, ‘Just stay fit for the 2027 World Cup and help us win the trophy.’
“Those were the biggest learnings from today’s match. Roko is ready for the 2027 World Cup,” Srikkanth said.
“It must be said that we will build a team around you to win trophies” – Kris Srikkanth
While the Indian selectors have continued to press the veteran as his position in the World Cup squad is under threat, former selector Kris Srikkanth believes a different approach should be adopted.
Both of these great players should be given license to go out and play and there should be no burden on their mind, and hence, the selectors should ensure them their place in the XI till the 2027 CWC.
“So don’t try to scare them and instead leave them alone. If anything, it should be the opposite; they should be told how important both are and should be told to take care of themselves for the 2027 World Cup. It should be said that we will build the team around you to win the trophy. That would be a better thought process.”
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