According to India batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the two biggest names in Indian cricket, have already made their intentions known for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Additionally, he thinks that if they are still available, their pedigree should make them automatic picks.
The former Indian captain cited both the duo's choice and their class under pressure while talking to India Today following India's nine-wicket victory in Sydney in the third ODI.
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"The moment they made themselves available for this trip, it was clear they want to be there for the 2027 World Cup,” Gavaskar remarked. “And irrespective of what happens between now and then, whether they score runs or not, with the ability and experience they possess, if they are available, they will be certainties in the squad,” said Gavaskar. He doubled down on the point, “With this kind of rhythm, you can write their names straight into the World Cup squad for South Africa 2027.”
Gavaskar’s remarks came following a classic performance by India's two most senior pros at the SCG. After two ducks earlier in the week, Kohli anchored the nine-wicket victory with an undefeated 74, while Rohit concluded the series with a fluid century. Together, the two created an undefeated partnership of 168 runs to prevent a whitewash. Conversations about the presence in the 2027 World Cup were rekindled by the performance and the partnership's authority, which transformed a difficult chase into a straightforward conclusion.
Gavaskar's perspective also represents a dramatic change from the conflicting opinions of the previous few weeks, when a number of people questioned if the veterans should be handled cautiously until the big tournament. However, the batting legend presented selection as a measure of bankable quality rather than nostalgia. As long as they are fit and available, the class of players should take precedence over intermittent from cycles.
The Sydney knock is reframed as more than a consolation victory in the statement from the Indian legend. For Kohli, the innings highlighted his ODI credentials and put an end to a shaky week. The century confirmed Rohit's dominance at the top of the order in the format. Together, they served as a reminder that they are still the team's best batters and vital resources.
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