Former batter Mohammed Kaif used Lionel Messi as an example to explain why India needs the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma at the ODI World Cup in 2027. Questions have been raised in recent times about Rohit and Kohli being in India’s plans for the ICC event in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Both men retired from Test cricket last year, meaning that ODIs are the only format that they play on the international stage. This raised doubts if they would be effective in maintaining their fitness and form ahead of the World Cup. Kohli and Rohit went back to the domestic circuit, playing for Delhi and Mumbai last season in the Vijay Hazare trophy before returning to the India fold.
However, the noise failed to die down, as recently there was chatter around Rohit being phased out of the team before the World Cup.
Kaif said that Ro-Ko’s experience and composure makes them invaluable assets for India during the tournament next year.
“The 2027 phase will be very important. People are talking about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma because it won’t be an easy World Cup,” Kaif said on Cricbuzz.
“The conditions will be different, there will be bouncy pitches, and India will need both these players there. We would definitely want them to play as many matches as possible from now on and remain in good form.”
THE MESSI EFFECT
To drive his point home, Kaif pointed out to Messi and how he helped Argentina reach the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The former cricketer said that Messi’s experience was key in the semi-final against England as he provided two assists to allow the youngsters in the side to get the job done.
“Lionel Messi is 39 years old and his team has reached the FIFA World Cup final. He didn’t score in the semifinal but provided an (two) assist (s),” he said.
“That’s what experience brings. When you have younger players who can finish the job, experienced players know how to guide them and create opportunities, So just like Messi is for Argentina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is for India in World Cup.”
Kaif concluded by saying that India will benefit by having the duo alongside young captain Shubman Gill as India aim for their third ODI World Cup.
“Whether it’s football or cricket, experience plays a huge role. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are considered among the greatest ODI players, so India will 100 per cent need them, especially under captain Shubman Gill in South African conditions,” Kaif said.
Kohli has shown form by scoring 310 runs in 5 matches this year, batting with an average of 62 and a strike-rate of 102.33. The same can’t be said about Rohit, who has looked off colour, amassing just 241 runs from eight matches, with an average of 30.12 and a strike-rate of 88.6.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia came out to squash the retirement rumours around Rohit, saying that the Lord’s ODI on Sunday won’t be the last time the former captain would don India colours.
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