"They deserve the opportunity to control the narrative" - Robin Uthappa on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing 2027 ODI World Cup
Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa feels the legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can play in the 2027 ODI World Cup should they still have the required desire and mental fitness. The pair recently helped India win the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA before announcing their retirement from the T20I format.
Kohli and Rohit are yet to win the ODI World Cup together despite the former being part of the winning team in 2011. They came all so close to achieving glory in the home ODI World Cup last year but fell short against Australia in the finale.
After taking over as Team India head coach after the T20 World Cup, Gautam Gambhir mentioned fitness being the key to both players parttaking in the 2027 50-over World Cup.
In a conversation with Sports Tak, Robin Uthappa responded to Gambhir's remarks by saying:
"Yes, it depends. We are no one to question their legacy. The way they have served Indian cricket, I think they deserve the opportunity to control the narrative. I think both Rohit and Virat deserve the opportunity to hang their boots completely when they feel like it. Because they will always operate in the best interest of Indian cricket."
He added:
"So I think as far as One Day World Cup is concerned, if Rohit and Virat will stay fit, there is no question about fitness as far as Virat is concerned. There is no question. I think it's about desire and intent. It is about mental fitness, if they get fatigued or if they burn out, it all depends on that."
While Virat Kohli topped the list of run-scorers in the 2023 ODI World Cup with 765 runs, Rohit was second with 597 runs.
The duo have combined for over 24,500 runs and 81 centuries in their illastrious ODI careers.
"If they choose not to play until then, then definitely there are players who will take up that mantle" - Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa further pointed to how Team India boasts several other talented players that can take up the mantle should Kohli and Rohit not play until the 2027 World Cup.
The duo are getting up there in age with Kohli only four months from 36 and Rohit already at 37.
"They have just won the World Cup, so I think we will give them that time also. They can take it a year at a time. And if they choose not to play until then, then definitely there are players who will take up that mantle. We know the quality of Shubhman Gill and KL Rahul and Yashasi Jaiswal have not played in a T20 World Cup. So those players, we have that caliber. In our country, it's a big blessing that there will never be a lack of high-quality players," said Uthappa.
Kohli and Rohit (captain) are part of the Indian ODI squad for the upcoming Sri Lankan white-ball tour.
The Men in Blue play three T20Is, starting July 27, followed by the three ODIs from August 2 to 7.