Former India all-rounder Robin Singh has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play a significant role in India’s campaign at the ODI World Cup 2027. Singh, who represented India in 136 ODIs and one Test, assessed the current form and experience of both players as they prepare for the tournament scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 4 to November 21, 2027.
Rohit Sharma has demonstrated strong recent form in ODI cricket, scoring two centuries and a 92 in his last five innings. Virat Kohli has struck one century alongside two fifty-plus scores of 74 and 65 in his last five ODI outings as of October 11, 2026. Singh highlighted the importance of current form alongside experience for the upcoming World Cup.
“I think experience is one thing. But more importantly, I think it’s their form that is important. And of course, with age comes plenty of experience. So that’s really not a problem. They know what to do,” Singh was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
Rohit and Kohli’s recent form
Singh emphasised that both players are maintaining the standards required for World Cup cricket. He pointed out that staying fit and performing consistently are the key factors that will determine their value to the Indian team in the tournament.
“It’s more about staying in the moment, staying fit and continuing to play well. I think they are doing that exceptionally well. So there are no complaints. They definitely will be a big asset to the Indian team,” Singh added.
India has been experimenting with several players in recent ODI series against West Indies as the team prepares for the World Cup. Singh acknowledged that the selection committee, led by Gautam Gambhir, has a clear strategy in place for the tournament.
“Look, I think they are trying out as many players as possible. They do have their formula in place. So I am pretty sure Gautam and his team members have a clear formula. I am sure he has a way of approaching the World Cup and knows the type of players he wants for the tournament,” Singh said.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami’s comeback prospects
The conversation also turned to the prospects of experienced fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been recalled to the T20I side for the upcoming New Zealand tour, sparking speculation about their inclusion in World Cup plans, particularly given that the tournament will be played in seam-friendly conditions.
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Singh, who has also coached the Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians in the IPL, believes both bowlers have done enough to warrant consideration. He stressed that their quality as bowlers remains undiminished regardless of their age.
“I think these two are excellent bowlers irrespective of their age. I saw Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowling in T20 cricket last year. They have played a lot of domestic cricket as well. And they have actually done enough to give themselves a chance to get back into the side. Both are really good bowlers, excellent bowlers,” Singh concluded.
