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"They look like 28": Ex-IND selector backs Kohli, Rohit for World Cup 2027 after Ranchi show

Soumyajit Dutta

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's heroics were on full display in the 1st ODI vs South Africa on November 30 as they stitched 136 runs together at Ranchi. Former India selector and cricketer Madan Lal has doubled down on their prospect while giving them a solid appreciation for their efforts.

Virat and Rohit are aged 37 and 38 now respectively, and the duo is still shouldering the burden of the team with solid top-order efforts.

Former selector backs Rohit-Kohli duo for World Cup 2027

Madan Lal, on Tuesday, has opined that the duo is still a great contender to play the World Cup 2027 as they are playing like 28-year-olds. While speaking to PTI Videos on the sidelines of an Asian Legends League Season 2, Madan Lal didn't mince words.

"It is their decision and not anybody else’s. So (it should be) whatever they decide. But the way they are playing the ODI series shows that they are still very, very fresh and look like they are some 28 or 30 years old. The way Virat Kohli is running (between the wickets while) taking the singles and hitting the balls. It’s nice to see (the way they are going),” Lal said.

Lal defends the coach and selectors

Lal further defended the coaching staff and the selectors after the India vs South Africa Test series debacle. Madan Lal was vocal in supporting the management while taking a dig at the critics.

“The first person to be criticised is the coach and the selector, I have been both, so they will get the criticism, never mind. As long as your conscience is right, that matters. If the team is not doing good then it becomes a case of (critics) going after the selectors. But if the team is not doing well then it is also a calculative thing that your coach is as good as your team,” Lal said.

With India currently poised as the favourites to win the match, the 2nd ODI between India and South Africa is set to take place on December 3, 2025, at Raipur, where the Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma duo might once again shine.