Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif has claimed that former all-format captain of the Indian national cricket team, Rohit Sharma will definitely participate in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
Mohammad Kaif said that although Rohit Sharma has been removed as India’s ODI captain, he brings a lot to the table in terms of his batting skills, which guarantees him a place in the marquee tournament.
You need an experienced batsman in the team – Mohammad Kaif
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be the 14th edition of the competition, is scheduled to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in October and November 2027.
India have already started their preparations for the tournament and have identified Shubman Gill as the right man to lead the team. Rohit, who led India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, has been sacked as captain as the selection committee wants to give Gill some time to establish himself as the ODI captain.
The decision to sack Rohit came ahead of the Australia series, and reportedly, he is no longer guaranteed a place in the ODI setup and needs to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy to keep his 2027 World Cup dreams alive.
Speaking in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif said that India will need an experienced batsman like Rohit in South Africa, where batting is not easy. He said:
“He will definitely play, boss. Look, the captaincy may have been taken away from him, but I believe Rohit Sharma will do his job as an opening batsman. You need an experienced batsman in the team. You cannot go to South Africa, where the World Cup will be played, with a completely young team. Sometimes in those seam conditions, the ball turns a lot and the pitches are bouncy. If you had only taken new players there, If they are, they will be exposed.”
I think you need a player who can handle the bounce – Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif said that Rohit’s ability to play exceptional pull and cut shots makes him an ideal batsman for South African conditions and he is optimistic about the remarkable performance from the opener. He said:
“So I think you need a player who can handle the bounce, who can pull and cut the rising balls like Rohit Sharma. On these kind of pitches, I believe Rohit Sharma will perform even better.”
He said, “His batting style as an opening batsman is absolutely suitable for such conditions. He plays the ball rising in front very well. Out of all the players you can name, Rohit Sharma is the only player who handles that rising ball so effectively.”
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You need players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – Mohammad Kaif
Both Rohit and Virat Kohli are one-format players who have retired from Test and T20I cricket. Now they will be seen playing only ODI and IPL, which means this pair will be seen in action for a limited time.
Shubman Gill has clearly stated that both Rohit and Kohli are in his plans for the 2027 World Cup, and Mohammad Kaif also highlighted how the presence of these two will benefit India. He said:
“Just look at their numbers, their years of experience. On a big stage like the World Cup, you need players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, players who have seen the world and experienced ups and downs. In a tournament like the World Cup, you lose a game or two in the middle, then you have to bounce back.
“You will face those do-or-die matches where you have to win to reach the quarter-finals or the top four. In such crucial situations, the roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli become absolutely crucial.”
