With polarizing news about Rohit Sharma’s retirement spreading fast and Virat Kohli nearing his twilight years, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has made a stunning comparison of the star duo with football legend Lionel Messi. Kaif opined that the way Messi’s experience has been the catalyst behind Argentina reaching their second successive FIFA World Cup final, India needs Kohli and Rohit’s experience for the next year’s 50-over World Cup.
Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play in the 2027 World Cup?
While Kohli’s recent form in ODI cricket has been excellent, the sharp focus is on Rohit’s declining numbers in the format since winning the Player of the Series award last year in Australia. Since then, he has mustered only three half-centuries alongside a best of 79. After the 39-year-old’s twin failures in the first two ODIs against England, a report of The Indian Express claimed that the final game at Lord’s could be Rohit’s final international appearance, with the selectors keen on moving on from him.
Keeping this in mind, Kaif, while speaking to Cricbuzz, underlined that Messi is important to Argentina even if he doesn’t score a goal. Hence, the Men in Blue will need both Kohli and Rohit for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“The 2027 phase will be very important. People are talking about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma because it won’t be an easy World Cup. The conditions will be different, there will be bouncy pitches, and India will need both these players there. We would definitely want them to play as many matches as possible from now on and remain in good form. Lionel Messi is 39 years old and his team has reached the FIFA World Cup final. He didn’t score in the semifinal but provided an (two) assist (s). That’s what experience brings. When you have younger players who can finish the job, experienced players know how to guide them and create opportunities, So just like Messi is for Argentina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is for India in World Cup.”
IND vs ENG: Can India win the series-decider at Lord’s?
Meanwhile, the Indian team must focus on the task at hand as the series-decider against England looms at the Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 19, Sunday. Regardless of Rohit’s retirement, the 39-year-old must fire in the final game to give the Men in Blue an advantage.
India’s batting unit will be in focus after their collapse from 178/3 to 233 all out in the second ODI in Cardiff.
