Former India chief selector Chetan Sharma has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to feature in ODI World Cup 2027 squad.

India's upcoming ODI assignments will offer Kohli and Rohit further opportunities to build momentum.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain central to India’s plans in one-day international cricket as the experienced batters continue to target the 2027 ODI World Cup. With both players having retired from T20Is and Test cricket, the 50-over format has become their sole focus at the international level. Their recent performances against the West Indies have strengthened their case, with former India chief selector Chetan Sharma backing the veteran duo to continue representing the country as long as they deliver on the field.

Chetan Sharma explains why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should feature in India’s ODI World Cup 2027 squad

Chetan believes Kohli and Rohit should not face unnecessary scrutiny over their age when they continue to perform at the highest level. The former chief selector emphasised that consistent contributions and the ability to win matches for India should remain the primary considerations when assessing their futures.

Speaking to ANI, Chetan pointed to the centuries scored by both batters in the ODI series against the West Indies as evidence of their continued value to the team.

“Age is just a number. If you’re performing well, like both Virat and Rohit scored centuries [in ODI series against West Indies]. When you’re performing well, there’s nothing to overthink about it,” he said.

Chetan also suggested that the two players should not be distracted by the different opinions surrounding their careers. According to him, their responsibility is to perform for India and contribute to victories rather than pay excessive attention to outside discussions.

“There will be 100 types of talks and 100 opinions. There’s no need to pay too much attention to that. You need to come out for the country, perform, and win matches for India. That’s what’s important. If they’re doing that, it’s a really great thing,” added Chetan.

Kohli and Rohit’s ODI records strengthen their case

Both players have built remarkable records in the 50-over format, establishing themselves among the most successful batters in the history of international cricket. Kohli, the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, has accumulated 15,109 runs, including 55 centuries. His consistency and ability to produce substantial innings have made him a major presence in India’s batting order.

Rohit has also enjoyed an outstanding ODI career, scoring 12,120 runs and registering 35 hundreds. His experience as a batter and former captain adds another dimension to India’s preparations for the global tournament. Their recent centuries against the West Indies have provided further evidence of their ability to contribute at the international level. With both players continuing to focus on ODI cricket, their performances in the coming months will remain important as India evaluates its options ahead of 2027.

Further, India’s upcoming ODI assignments will offer Kohli and Rohit further opportunities to build momentum. The team is scheduled to face New Zealand in a five-match series beginning November 4, followed by a three-match home series against Sri Lanka starting December 13.

Notably, the upcoming ODI World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. India, led by Shubman Gill, will aim to turn its preparations into a successful campaign after finishing runners-up in the 2023 edition. Rohit captained India in that tournament, but the team lost the final to Australia. The upcoming World Cup presents another opportunity for India to pursue the title, with Kohli and Rohit potentially playing important roles.