With both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli now focusing solely on ODIs after quitting Tests and T20Is, speculation about their future has naturally risen. NEW DELHI: Cricket great Sunil Gavaskar has backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for potential inclusion in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad, hailing their outstanding performances in the recent three-match series against Australia. Rohit finished as the top scorer of the series while Kohli bounced back with an unbeaten 74 after two ducks.Their partnership was key to India’s nine-wicket win in the third ODI. Rohit smashed a brilliant 121 and Kohli remained unbeaten on 74 as the pair shared 168 runs.
India vs Australia: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma rewrite history at SCG
“The moment they made themselves available for this trip, it was clear that they wanted to be there for the 2027 World Cup,” Gavaskar said. “And no matter what happens in between – whether they score or not – with the ability and experience they have, if available, they will be a certainty in the team. With this kind of form, you can write their names straight into the World Cup squad for South Africa 2027.”With both Rohit and Kohli now focusing solely on ODIs after quitting Tests and T20Is, speculation about their future has naturally risen.Their recent performances have seen India avoid the series and get a consolation in the third ODI.“I always love coming here and playing here. Great memories of 2008. I’m not sure if we will go back to Australia but we enjoy our cricket no matter what awards we achieve,” Rohit said after winning the Man of the Match and Player of the Series awards.Rohit also reflected on the challenges of the Australian tour, adding: “We’ve started again in Perth – that’s how I’m looking at things.”Gavaskar reiterated that Rohit and Kohli’s decision to play in the Australia series underlined their intention to remain in contention for the 2027 World Cup and insisted that their inclusion would be automatic if they remained available.
