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Shikhar Dhawan Backs Rohit, Kohli for 2027 ODI World Cup

Shikhar Dhawan has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, citing their experience. He believes the team needs experienced players for such a big tournament. Dhawan also praised Rajasthan Royals' young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his fearless batting. Sooryavanshi is leading the Orange Cap race in IPL 2026 with 400 runs in 9 matches.

Key Points: Dhawan: Rohit, Kohli Should Play 2027 ODI WC

  • Shikhar Dhawan backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for 2027 ODI WC
  • Emphasizes need for experience in big tournaments
  • Praises young RR batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
  • Sooryavanshi leads Orange Cap with 400 runs in IPL 2026
2 min read

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should play 2027 ODI WC: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup, emphasizing experience. Also praises young RR batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

"Ofcourse they can, and they should play. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both are experienced, and you need experience going into the ODI WC - Shikhar Dhawan"

New Delhi, April 29

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan backed India's batting heavyweight Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Dhawan believes that Sharma and Sharma both are experienced, and heading into such a big tournament, teams need experience.

After announcing their Test retirements in May this year, Rohit and Virat have not been getting enough game time in ODIs, a format which does not dominate the cricket calendar like before.

While they have showcased fine form throughout the year in ODIs, questions have often arisen about whether the lack of game time will catch up with their ageing bodies and whether their reflexes could slow down with age ahead of the marquee tournament, with both men currently in their late 30s.

When the marquee tournament, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, arrives in 2027, Rohit will already be in his 40s, while Virat will be in his late 30s. '

"Ofcourse they can, and they should play. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both are experienced, and you need experience going into the ODI WC, which is only a year away," Dhawan said.

Dhawan also praised Rajasthan Royals (RR) young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his fearless batting, highlighting how confidently he handles high-speed bowling.

Dhawan said he is very impressed with his ability and believes he could soon earn a debut for India if he continues performing this way.

"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is doing extremely well. I am very impressed by him. The way he is taking on bowlers easily when they are bowling him at 145 kmph, it's fantastic, and the day is not far when he will debut for India," he added.

Sooryavanshi is having a sensational IPL 2026 season for the Rajasthan Royals, leading the Orange Cap race with 400 runs in just 9 matches at an average of 44.44, including a hundred and two fifties.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I'm torn between nostalgia and logic. Rohit and Kohli have given us so many memories, but by 2027, Rohit will be 40+ and Kohli almost 39. Can their reflexes keep up? The gap year before the WC might be a blessing—they can focus solely on ODIs to stay sharp.
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Ravi K
Exactly! Experience is key for big ICC events. Look at how Dhoni played the 2019 WC at 37—he was still our best finisher. Rohit and Kohli deserve the same respect. And Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at 400 runs already? He's the future of Indian batting. Well spotted by Dhawan. 🤩
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Sarah B
I get the sentiment, but isn't this a bit shortsighted? Rohit and Kohli are great, but we need to think about the next generation. If we keep relying on them, players like Vaibhav might never get the chance to shine in big tournaments. Selective inclusion is fine, but not as default.
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Arjun K
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the real deal! 400 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate that high? That's not just luck—it's class. And Dhawan backing Rohit and Virat makes sense, but I hope the selectors don't treat them as untouchables. If they're in form, yes; if not, we have to move on. Yaar, itna emotional mat ho!
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Neha E
Honestly, it's a tricky situation. Both Rohit and Kohli have been struggling with injuries lately. One year is a lot of time, but if

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