Mohammad Kaif backs Kohli and Sharma for 2027 ODI World Cup

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue playing for India and feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. With discussions growing around whether the veteran duo should make way for younger players, Kaif made it clear that he has complete faith in both stars remaining key members of India's World Cup plans. Kaif particularly praised Rohit's commitment to fitness and believes the India captain still has the drive to compete at the highest level. He also pointed out that Rohit's batting approach has evolved in recent times. "I will take the guarantee of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Rohit is working on his fitness, he will push himself and somehow manage to play. Injury happens to everyone, even to youngsters. He has that passion, the temperament is seen in his batting. His batting as a captain and as a player is very different. The approach has changed. He is not pouncing on every ball," Kaif said on his YouTube channel. Kaif also believes India will be among the favourites to win the 2027 ODI World Cup. According to him, the core of the squad that reached the 2023 World Cup final is likely to remain intact, giving India a strong foundation heading into the tournament. He expects experienced players such as Jasprit Bumrah , Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer , KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav to continue playing important roles alongside younger stars like Shubman Gill. Kaif feels India's combination of experience and quality will make them one of the toughest teams to beat. "I feel that the playing 11 for the 2027 World Cup, it will be almost the same team that played in 2023. The majority of the players will be the same. You will have Bumrah, Kohli, Iyer, Rahul, Kuldeep, all these. So there are good chances. India will be favorites with Bumrah, Kohli, Gill, even Hardik will be back. These are big names. The opposition will have to play their best cricket against India to beat them," he stated. India's next ODI assignment is a three-match series against England in July.