Now Reading: Dhawan says Rohit, Kohli will add value for 2027 ODI World Cup
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Dhawan says Rohit, Kohli will add value for 2027 ODI World Cup
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan believes veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will add significant value to the team for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Dhawan's comments come despite the duo's advancing…
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan believes veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will add significant value to the team for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Dhawan's comments come despite the duo's advancing age, as both players are now in their late 30s.
Rohit and Kohli recently showed form in a three-match ODI series against England in July, which India lost 2-1. Kohli scored two half-centuries, while Rohit hit a century at Lord's, silencing critics who had questioned his place in the ODI setup.
Dhawan, who played alongside both for years, said their experience and class remain vital for India's World Cup ambitions. The next 50-over World Cup will be hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The debate over Rohit and Kohli's ODI future mirrors the 2019-2021 period when MS Dhoni's role was questioned before his retirement. Both current players have strong records in ICC tournaments: Rohit averages over 50 in World Cups with five centuries, and Kohli averages over 55. India has no ready replacements of similar quality, making their continuity crucial. The BCCI selection committee will likely assess their fitness closer to 2026, with a home Champions Trophy in 2025 acting as a key trial. The 2027 World Cup is four years away, but India's next ODI series in early 2025 will offer the first concrete indicator of the selectors' plans.
Source: gulfnews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
