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Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made it clear that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will remain India’s biggest match winners in ODI cricket. As India prepare for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Pathan believes that both Kohli and Rohit will have to play a big role if the team wants to bring home the trophy.
Even with several young stars making their mark, Pathan feels there is still no substitute for the experience, calmness and match-winning ability that Rohit and Kohli bring. He stressed that the presence of the former Indian captain can make a difference in big matches.
Virat Kohli is the best in the world: Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan highlighted Virat Kohli’s incredible record at No. 3 and said the batting star is India’s biggest strength in ODI cricket. The former World Cup winner believes that whenever the team is in a difficult situation, especially in big tournaments, Kohli has the special ability to handle pressure and rebuild the innings.
Pathan said on Geostar, “Virat Kohli brings tremendous experience in the middle order. No one can do better than him in ODIs. His records batting at number three speak for themselves. If India lose quick wickets, he is the man to rebuild the innings. He likes to bat long, and when it comes to chasing, he is the best in the world.”
Kohli is considered one of the greatest ODI batsmen of all time, having scored 14,797 runs in 311 ODI matches for India at an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 93.82. He also holds the world record for most centuries in this format, having scored 54 centuries for the Men in Blue.
Irfan Pathan calls Rohit Sharma the ideal batsman for Proteas conditions
Speaking about Rohit Sharma, Pathan feels that the former Indian captain’s ability against short-pitched bowling could be one of India’s biggest weapons in the ICC World Cup 2027 in South Africa. However, Virender Sehwag has already named the successor of Rohit Sharma in ODIs.
Cricket Pundit said, “Rohit Sharma’s biggest strength is his ability to handle short-pitched bowling. He has exceptional timing and gets into position quickly. In South Africa, where bowlers get both swing and extra bounce, Rohit is the ideal batsman to punish any short.”
Rohit Sharma has so far scored 11,577 runs in 282 ODIs at an extraordinary average of 48.85 and strike rate of 92.75. This right-handed batsman is considered one of the greatest opening batsmen of ODI.
Pathan calls Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli India’s biggest ICC World Cup 2026 weapons
He also reiterated that India’s success in the ICC World Cup 2027 will largely depend on the experienced duo. He believes that Rohit’s fearless batting and Kohli’s ability to control the innings could be key factors in India’s bid to win a third ODI World Cup trophy.
Pathan said, “If India has to win the World Cup in South Africa, it will need both these qualities of Rohit and Virat.” However, Virat Kohli was ruled out of the ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury he suffered during the IPL 2026 final between GT and RCB.