3 reasons why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should play ODI World Cup 2027

India has had a fine start to 2025 by winning the bilateral series against England and the prestigious Champions Trophy 2025. India won the T20I series 4-1 and swept England 3-0 in ODIs before winning the CT without losing a single match. After not having a great time in Tests from October, India showed their dominance in the shorter formats. Two of India’s key performers in the ODI series and the Champions Trophy were their seniors.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja all contributed towards the team’s cause. In particular, Virat and Rohit played a big role in India’s Champions Trophy campaign. The duo also played a key role in India’s brilliant ODI World Cup 2023 campaign despite losing. Having won the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy since then, the focus of the duo would be to win the ODI WC 2027.

Here are the three reasons why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must play in the ODI World Cup 2027 for India –

Current Form and the hunger to convert 2023’s loss to win

Virat and Rohit have been in fine form in ODIs since 2023. The duo has played their role extremely well and was instrumental in India’s wins in the Asia Cup 2023 and the Champions Trophy 2025, apart from their massive roles in the ODI WC 2023. While Rohit has been highly aggressive as an opener, Virat has anchored the innings well at number 3.

India need the players in form to continue their run. While there’s no guarantee behind how their form would be in the next two years, one can trust them to be hungry enough to convert the heartbreak of 2023 to celebration in 2027. Virat last won the ODI WC in 2011 and Rohit hasn’t even won an ODI WC to date. The latter, in particular, would be hungrier to win the title.

Playing Conditions and Powerplay trend

The ODI World Cup 2027 will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The last time these countries hosted the World Cup was in 2003, 24 years ago. Wickets in these countries usually have something in them for the bowlers. India is likely to play most of their games in South Africa, where the playing conditions are different than that in India.

Bowlers have some purchase and get a bit of extra bounce and seam off the surface. Virat is needed to bat in such conditions in the middle overs phase. On the other hand, Rohit has shots like pull and hook that are needed for the bouncy conditions. Not to forget, his aggressive starts at the top can be the difference between the two sides in tricky conditions.

Experience and Fearlessness

Rohit and Virat have been playing ODIs from 2007 and 2009 respectively. Both of them have an experience of over 15 years in the format. It would be 17+ when the ODI WC takes place in October and November 2027. In as many years, they have gained a huge experience having faced plethora of attacks in the period. Their exposure at the highest level could be key for India.

Before 2024, there was a certain kind of pressure from the fans on them. They had to win the title which was scarce in the Indian cabinet for over 11 years. Now that India has won two titles in a period of 10 months, Virat and Rohit will not be under pressure, which would make them fearless and less worried about results, which could make them the most dangerous version of themselves.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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