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"Don't spook them": Kris Srikkanth predicts Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli 'set for 2027'

Soumyajit Dutta

Rohit, Kohli and Kris Srikkanth [Source: @technique_ka_banda/X.com]Rohit, Kohli and Kris Srikkanth [Source: @technique_ka_banda/X.com]

Former India selector and ex-cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth has voiced strong opinions in favour of India stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play the ODI World Cup 2027. The duo had a formidable presence in the 3rd ODI against Australia, and Srikkanth believes they will continue to impress.

Rohit Sharma won the Impact Player of the Series after the 3rd ODI, and the ex-chief selector thinks he still has a lot of game left in him and Kohli as well.

Srikkanth slams 'age' criticisms

Srikkanth criticised the 'age' opinions, urging BCCI to back the Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli duo till the 2027 World Cup. Kris thinks the veterans look in fine touch and are set for the upcoming edition of the ICC tournament.

"Ro-Ko set for 2027. Rohit, in my opinion, has to surely play the 2027 World Cup. Don't bring up the age factor. Don't say 'he is touching 40, brushing 40, reaching 40.' Stop all these. He is fit. He is playing well, taking slip catches cleanly. What else do you want? He is scoring in every match. He played effortlessly in Sydney. It felt similar to the way he played in the 2019 World Cup. Yes, he didn't go to the sixth gear and seventh gear. He was going in third and fourth gear," Srikkanth said.

Rohit Sharma played a blistering knock of 121* in Sydney, which was in a match-winning cause, as Kohli supported him with his 74 at No. 3. while chasing a target of 237 runs. Speaking of Kohli, Kris added that he is as fit as a '25-year-old.'

"Virat Kohli, on the other hand, can play until 45, given his fitness. He is as fit as a 25-year-old," Kris said.

Kris urges BCCI to back Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Further, Kris urged the selection committee not to 'spook' them and provide them with every mental support they need to stay in the game for long.

"Don't spook them. Don't instill fear. Leave them alone. I think you have to tell them that they are important for the team. Tell them to look after themselves. 'We will form the team around you. You two are very important. Please make sure you are fit enough'. I think this should be the thought process and communication. If they do it this way, it will be good for Team India and the two players," Kris concluded.

With the next ODI assignment for India on November 30 against South Africa, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have a decent break to rest and gear up ahead of their next test at home.