Former India selector Kris Srikkanth has said that there should be no questions about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma making it to the 2027 World Cup, as they have already sealed their spots for the tournament. In their 392nd international match together, Kohli and Rohit put on a 136-run stand from 109 balls to help India post 349 runs in their 50 overs.
This partnership proved to be crucial as India won the match by 17 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Kohli scored 135 runs while Rohit played an aggressive 57, which saw him break the record for the most sixes in ODIs. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said India’s World Cup plans wouldn’t work without the presence of the star duo.
“Kohli and Rohit are playing on another level. Without these two, the 2027 World Cup plans will not work out. You need Rohit at one end and Virat at another. There should be no questions asked,” said Srikkanth.
The former selector commented that it was the Ro-Ko partnership that took the game away from the Proteas in Ranchi. Kohli and Rohit scored 80 runs in the powerplay, and by the time the stand was broken, India had scored 161 runs in 21.2 overs.
“See in 2013, he said in an interview that since 2013 Rohit and him used to score heavily and take down oppositions. If you look at it, if Rohit and Kohli bat for 20 overs, the opposition is gone. Today, that’s what happened. They were literally batted out. Yes, South Africa fought back well. But, their partnership finished them off,” said Srikkanth.
‘INDIA CAN’T WIN WITHOUT THEM’
Srikkanth also praised the way both Kohli and Rohit, who are 37 and 38 repsectively, have worked on their fitness despite just playing one format.
“It’s not just the runs. They have worked very hard (on fitness). Virat and Rohit are playing only one format. It’s not easy to maintain your mindset like this when only playing one format.
As far as I am concerned, they have sealed their spots for 2027 World Cup. No. 1 and No. 3 slots are all sealed. We can’t win without them,” said Srikkanth.
Ro-Ko will be back in action during the second ODI between India and South Africa, which will take place on Wednesday, December 3.
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