After their impressive performances in tough batting conditions in Australia, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been assured of a place in the World Cup squad by India great Sunil Gavaskar, no matter what happens in the upcoming games.
Doubts and mixed voices over the past few weeks have raised many questions about whether the Giants should be managed between now and 2027’s marquee tournament, but the duo’s remarkable passion and form have answered the questions at the SCG.
While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli batted flawlessly in the Australia tour, with Sharma especially regaining his composed nature, former Indian player Sunil Gavaskar has said that his selection in the World Cup squad will be based on quality and not pure nostalgia.
“You can write his name straight into the South Africa 2027 World Cup squad” – Sunil Gavaskar
After Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s 168-run partnership broke several records in Sydney, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes that the duo should be included in the Indian squad for the World Cup without any hesitation.
Gavaskar said, “The moment he made himself available for this trip, it was clear that he wanted to be there for the 2027 World Cup. And no matter what happens between now and then, whether he scores runs or not, with the ability and experience he has, if he is available, he will definitely be in the team.”
He has clearly taken the stance that if the veteran himself wants to be a part of the playing eleven, he should by all means be named in the team, with his full ability and experience.
He reiterated, “With this kind of form, you can straight away write his name in the World Cup squad for South Africa 2027.”
Sydney’s victory is not just a consolation for Team India
Speaking to India Today on India’s 9-wicket win against Australia in Sydney, which helped them avoid a whitewash, former Indian captain Gavaskar explained the importance of the match from India’s point of view.
While many might have considered India’s win in Sydney a consolation win as they had lost the series to Australia in Adelaide, Gavaskar’s statement makes this win much more than just a consolation. For Kohli, it was a comeback after a dreadful week, and Rohit confirmed his authority with that century, and, with his inspiring fitness journey, he proved that age is just a number.
In their long stand of 168 runs and unbeaten innings of 121* and 74* respectively, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reiterated that they are still the key batsmen and most valuable assets of the Indian team.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned home
After the series ended in Sydney, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli left along with several Indian players like KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj who were not part of the T20I squad. The other flew to Canberra to join the rest of the Indian team.
Rohit returned to India, while Kohli took a direct flight to London to join their respective families. They will be seen in action again, but this time in India, from November 30, when the Men in Blue take on the Proteas in the first ODI in Ranchi.
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