Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad says Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still key players for India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad. He praised the batting duo for turning the tables in a losing‑moment series against Australia and for the huge experience they bring to the team.
### Stellar finish helps India avoid a whitewash
In the third ODI at Brisbane, India won by nine wickets, sparing the team a series whitewash. Rohit Sharma finished unbeaten on 121, his 33rd ODI hundred – the third‑highest total in the format after Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. Rohit’s smooth, chanceless stroke play kept India in the game and sealed a comfortable win.
Kohli, who had been out for two straight ducks in the first two matches, bounced back with an unbeaten 74. That knock pushed him past Kumar Sangakkara to become the second‑highest run‑getter in ODI history. Kohli’s 14,255 runs from 305 matches now sit just behind Tendulkar’s record.
### Confidence for the World Cup haul
“I am extremely happy about how they finished the series,” Prasad told . “People need veteran players like Virat and Rohit as we head into the 2027 World Cup. They are big assets to the side.”
The former chief selector added that fans should not judge the pair solely on recent form. “Rohit is fit and performing, and Virat is always fit. Their experience and skill set remain invaluable,” he said. Prasad noted the duo has scored 83 or 84 hundreds together – a testament to their consistency.
### Recent retirements and the new generation
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket earlier this year, and after India’s T20 World Cup win they also announced their exits from T20Is. All‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja followed suit. Prasad applauded how all three handed over the reins to young players after the tournament, helping the emerging stars find their footing.
### Depth in India’s T20 side
Prasad also highlighted India’s depth in the shorter format. “Even players like Shreyas Iyer struggle to get a spot in the T20 squad, which shows the strength of our talent pool,” he said. “We have enough firepower and a solid team structure in the shortest game.”
### Bottom line
With the experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and a deep bench for T20s, India’s selectors see a balanced Mix of skill and youth for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Prasad’s confidence in the veteran duo suggests that India’s men in blue will be ready to challenge for glory when the next World Cup comes around.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
