Former Indian captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has emphasized that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be left undisturbed with no discussions about their age by selectors and team management, given their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The ex-selection committee chairman Srikkanth expressed his admiration for the match-winning innings by Rohit and Kohli during the ODI in Sydney on Saturday. He underlined that selectors should finalize their names for the grand 50-over event two years from now.
The 38-year-old Rohit Sharma and 36-year-old Virat Kohli showcased an impressive 168-run partnership during India's nine-wicket triumph in the series finale against Australia. Rohit scored an unbeaten 121 runs, while Kohli remained not out with a determined fifty.
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There has been much discourse on Rohit and Kohli's return to international cricket after a four-month hiatus. Upon Shubman Gill taking charge, it was apparent that selectors were focusing on the future. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized the performance evaluation of these batsmen and made no guarantees about their World Cup spots.
Rohit scores 202 runs in the series
Rohit emphatically silenced naysayers with his formidable performance, accumulating 202 runs in the three-match series. The ex-captain, who shed 11 kilograms before the ODIs, exhibited some rust in a gritty 73-run innings off 97 balls in Adelaide, yet weathered Australia's intense spells. Rohit then amplified his confidence in Sydney, crafting one of his most poised and balanced ODI innings recently, decorated with 13 fours and 3 sixes.
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Ex-Captain Srikkanth’s Perspective
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth recalled Rohit’s Sydney innings inducing memories of the 2019 World Cup when Rohit set record five centuries with a sheer intent to play big innings. He remarked, “Ro-Ko is prepped for 2027. As per my opinion, Rohit must definitely play the 2027 World Cup. Stop the age talk. Don’t say ‘He’s nearing 40’. Cease that debate. He’s fit, in stellar form, and catching outstanding in the slips. What more is required? He’s scoring in every match, batting reminiscent of the 2019 World Cup.”
Srikkanth expressed that Virat Kohli, with his unparalleled fitness akin to a 25-year-old, can continue until he’s 45. Rohit has revamped his ODI play over the years. Srikkanth urged selectors to provide a sense of security to Rohit and Kohli, constructing the team around them rather than instilling insecurity.
