If Messi Can, Why Can't Kohli and Rohit? Harbhajan Singh Backs Veterans for 2027 World Cup
Harbhajan Singh said selection should hinge on fitness and performance, noting Kohli and Rohit still have the experience to help India if they stay productive.
- Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, arguing that performance should outweigh age in selection decisions.
- Harbhajan credited Kohli for revolutionizing Indian team fitness culture, noting that 90 per cent of credit for the winning mentality belongs to the former captain.
- Advising head coach Gautam Gambhir to leverage their experience, Harbhajan noted Kohli and Rohit have played over 300 games, drawing on his own retirement when he could not match Ravichandran Ashwin.
- "Whoever the player is, I believe the marker should be performance, not age," Harbhajan declared, urging team management to clarify the core squad six months before the tournament.
- The 2027 ODI World Cup, hosted across Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, arrives in one year; Rohit will turn 40 and Kohli 39 during the tournament targeting an Indian victory.
15 Articles
15 Articles
"Even at 40, 5 people can't catch him" - Indian legend uses Lionel Messi as example to rest Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's case for ODI World Cup 2027
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh cited the legendary footballer Lionel Messi as an example to debunk the age debate surrounding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket.
The Economic Times
Times of IndiaIf Messi can, why can't Kohli and Rohit? Harbhajan Singh backs veterans for 2027 World Cup
Harbhajan Singh believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can play in the next ODI World Cup. He stated that performance and fitness should determine player selection, not age. Messi's continued dominance at 39 serves as an example for the Indian veterans. Kohli's impact on team fitness and winning mentality is also highlighted. Gambhir should offer them opportunities based on their extensive experience.
If Messi can do it, why can't Kohli, Rohit? Harbhajan backs duo for 2027 World Cup
Harbhajan Singh backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for India's 2027 World Cup campaign, saying age should not matter if the veterans continue to perform and maintain their fitness, much like Lionel Messi.
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