“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 believes the veteran duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma deserve the opportunity to decide their future regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup. The pair has performed consistently in the 50-overs format but Rohit Sharma will be 40 and Virat Kohli will be 38 when the next ODI showpiece will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma scored 257 runs in eight matches of the T20 World Cup 2024 at an average of 36.71 and a strike rate of 156.71, Kohli scored a vital knock of 76 runs off 59 balls in the all-important final against the Proteas after a disappointing run throughout the tournament. Thus, the duo once again played an instrumental role in taking India to glory.

Furthermore, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were brilliant in the ODI World Cup 2023. Rohit scored 597 runs in 11 matches at an average of 54.27 and a blistering strike rate of 125.95. The talisman scored three fifties and one century in the ODI showpiece. 

On the other hand, Virat Kohli finished the tournament as the highest run-getter with 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.32. Ergo, he was awarded Player of the tournament for his consistent performances.

Robin Uthappa said on Sony Sports, “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.”

“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.”

Uthappa believes India have the players who can fill in the big shoes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma if the duo decides against playing the World Cup.

“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.

The ODI leg of the Sri Lanka tour will be played in Colombo.