Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has asserted that having both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the Indian ODI side gives the team a 90 per cent chance of winning the World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Speaking to Rediff.com, Raina reckoned that it would be fruitful for the Indian team to have a run-machine Kohli and a great captain who has won so many trophies for India and in the IPL, Rohit.
“We have a run machine at home, and we have a great captain who has won so many trophies in the IPL and for the country. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli need no introduction because I have played a lot of matches with them. This time, we are playing the World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe, and I think having both of them in the team gives us a 90 per cent chance of winning the trophy,” Raina said to Rediff.com.
On the other hand, the former Indian selector Sandeep Patil showered praise on both players’ contributions over the years. He went on to state that it wouldn’t be a major difference even if the duo isn’t part of the squad, thanks to the team’s bench strength.
“It is up to these two players. Will they want to continue playing? Will they be able to maintain their fitness? What is the selectors’ strategy? Are the selectors looking ahead? Along with the current players, we always have to consider whether we have someone strong enough to replace them if the time comes for them to be left out of the team. And considering the Indian team’s bench strength, which…I don’t think there will be any problems, whether Virat or Rohit are in the team or not,” Sandeep said on SportsNext.
“These two players have been around for many years and will be regarded as legends. Rohit Sharma has been a remarkable player in white-ball cricket. As far as Virat is concerned, the more I say about him, the less it will be,” Patil added.
