Shubman Gill,India’s new ODI captain, recently made a statement backing both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as essential players for the 2027 World Cup. Gill emphasised that the two senior batsmen remain important parts of India’s plans for the tournament, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The captain’s public support has brought clarity to the selection picture for both players.
Mohammad Kaif responded positively to Gill’s statement, noting that the captain’s backing removes uncertainty around the duo’s future in the format. Kaif highlighted that Kohli and Rohit have answered questions about their form through their recent performances. Both players have been retained for India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies, starting on Sunday, September 27.
“Gill the captain had given a statement which I liked. He was reluctant to talk about it before but his recent statement, where he said we need Rohit and Virat’s experience in South Africa and they are important for the team, I liked it. Sometimes, it is the captain who runs the team, not the coach or selectors,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
“I think he realised at the right time and now I don’t think each series will be a test for them. There is clarity now after the captain’s statement. Maybe he would not have said it, both of them scored runs and answered the questions with their performance,” he added.
Gill’s statement brings clarity to Kohli and Rohit’s 2027 World Cup future
While Kaif stated that Virat Kohli has been in slightly better form that Rohit in ODI cricket this year, he believes that both players will be equally important in the global event next year.
“If they get out, the questions will still be there. But after this statement, I feel both will play, both are needed. I don’t think Virat has been in such solid form before. The 10-12 innings, he is scoring 100s and 60s and 70s. He is showing that he is at his peak even at 37,” Kaif said.
“Rohit also scored a hundred at Lord’s. I keep Virat slightly ahead as he is in solid form. But both of them have done well and have answered the questions. It is the right way to set an example,” he added.
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Kaif’s assessment places Kohli marginally ahead of Rohit based on current form, though he acknowledged both players have made strong cases for inclusion in the World Cup squad. Kohli’s recent run of centuries and scores in the 60s and 70s demonstrate sustained performance at age 37. Both players remain available in the ODI format after retiring from Test and T20 International cricket, keeping them in contention for the tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
