Watch Messi: Former cricketer explains why India need Ro-Ko for 2027 World Cup

Former batsman Mohammed Kaif has used Lionel Messi as an example to explain why India needs the presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ODI World Cup in 2027. Recently, questions have been raised whether Rohit and Kohli are in India’s plans for the ICC event in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Both men retired from Test cricket last year, meaning ODIs are the only format they play on the international stage. This raised doubts as to whether they would be effective in keeping fit and in shape ahead of the World Cup. Kohli and Rohit have returned to the domestic circuit, playing for Delhi and Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season before returning to India.

However, the noise didn’t stopas recently there was talk of Rohit being dropped from the team ahead of the World Cup.

Kaif said Ro-Ko’s experience and poise make him an invaluable asset to India during next year’s tournament.

“The 2027 phase will be very important. People are talking about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma because it will not be an easy World Cup,” Kaif said on Cricbuzz.

“The conditions will be different, there will be bouncy pitches and India will need both of these players there. We would definitely like them to play as many matches as possible from now on and stay in good form.”

THE MESSIAH EFFECT

To drive his point home, Kaif pointed to Messi and how he helped Argentina reach the finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The former cricketer said Messi’s experience was crucial in the semi-final against England as he provided two assists to allow the youngsters in the team to do the job.

“Lionel Messi is 39 years old and his team reached the final of the World Cup. He didn’t score in the semi-final but he got (two) assists,” he said.

“That’s what experience brings. When you have younger players who can get the job done, experienced players know how to lead them and create opportunities, so just like Messi is for Argentina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are for India at the World Cup.”

Kaif concluded by saying that India will benefit from the duo alongside young captain Shubman Gill as they aim for a third ODI World Cup.

“Whether it’s football or cricket, experience plays a huge role. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are considered the greatest players in ODIs, so India will absolutely 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 at an average of 62 and a strike rate of 102.33. The same cannot be said for Rohit, who coughed up the paint, amassing just 241 runs from eight matches at an average of 30.12 and a strike rate of 88.6.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia came out to squash the retirement rumors surrounding Rohitsaid the Lord’s ODI on Sunday would not be the last time the former captain donned Indian colours.

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Published on:

18 Jul 2026 13:30 IST