Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s age should not be held against them as long as they continue to perform, former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee has said. During the media roundtable, courtesy of Sharjah Warriors, Southee explained that both players are still making significant contributions to the Indian side.
Virat and Rohit have been India’s standout batsmen over the past year. Even though India recently won the Champions Trophy, there is still talk that the two may not remain automatic selections for the ODI World Cup 2027. The Indian team management has been asked several times whether the pair will play in this ICC tournament and each time the question has been raised, they have shied away from making any commitments regarding the placement of the two players.
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Both Rohit and Virat have made noticeable adjustments to their batting after the Champions Trophy. These changes have helped them score runs in Australia and now in South Africa. Speaking about the pair, Southee highlighted these improvements and added that if they keep scoring runs, their age should not matter at the start of the ODI World Cup.
“Kohli is probably the best one-day batsman ever and if he is still performing then why not? Rohit also scored a hundred in Australia a few days ago so they are still playing. As long as they are contributing to the side I believe age is just a number,” Tim Southee said during a media interaction.
Since the Champions Trophy, Virat Kohli is India’s leading run scorer with 311 runs at an average of 77. Rohit is close behind with 273 runs at an average of 68. Southee said the decision whether to play in the World Cup is a choice that should be left to the two senior players and if they feel they can contribute in all areas of the game, there is no reason why they should be left out.
“I think it’s their decision. If they feel they can still do what it takes to play at the highest level, then why not,” Southee said.
“As I mentioned, you have Virat Kohli, who is probably the best one-day batsman to ever play the game, and if he is available for the one-day World Cup, then I think the team will want him to play.”
India are currently playing South Africa in a three-match ODI series. After the first two games, the series is tied at 1:1. Virat Kohli has scored hundreds and will be hoping to make it work again in the final ODI scheduled to be held in Vizag on December 6.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
December 4, 2025
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