In a significant declaration, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed strong support for the inclusion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad. Gavaskar highlighted their stellar displays in the recent three-match series against Australia as a testament to their continued prowess.
During the series, Rohit Sharma emerged as the top scorer, while Virat Kohli impressively bounced back from two consecutive ducks to score an unbeaten 74. Their formidable partnership was instrumental in India’s emphatic nine-wicket victory in the third ODI, where Rohit blazed a magnificent 121 runs and Kohli remained solid with his unbeaten 74, contributing to a crucial 168-run stand.
Gavaskar confidently stated, "The moment they made themselves available for this trip, it was clear they want to be there for the 2027 World Cup. And irrespective of what happens between now and then — whether they score runs or not — with the ability and experience they possess, if they’re available, they’ll be certainties in the squad. With this kind of form, you can write their names straight into the World Cup squad for South Africa 2027."
With both Rohit and Kohli now dedicating their focus primarily to One Day Internationals, having stepped away from Test and T20 formats, discussions surrounding their long-term international careers have naturally intensified. Their recent contributions were vital in preventing a series whitewash, securing a consolation win for India.
Reflecting on his performance and the tour, Rohit Sharma commented after receiving both Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, "Always love coming here and playing here. Fond memories of 2008. I’m not sure if we’ll be coming back to Australia, but we enjoy our cricket no matter what accolades we achieve." He also noted the team’s fresh approach, adding, "We started afresh in Perth — that’s how I look at things."
Gavaskar reinforced his belief, emphasizing that their participation in the Australia series underscored their clear intention to remain strong contenders for the 2027 World Cup. He asserted that their exceptional form and wealth of experience would make their selection automatic, provided they maintain their availability.