Even at 40, Rohit Sharma will still be needed in the Indian team for the next World Cup — that’s what former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif firmly believes.
Losing the captaincy at 38 often signals the risk of losing one’s place in the side altogether. With the next World Cup still two years away, that uncertainty only grows stronger — after all, which team places its faith in a 40-year-old player? But when the name is Rohit Sharma, the equation changes entirely. Kaif, for one, is convinced that India will definitely need Rohit in the 2027 World Cup.
After retiring from Tests and T20Is, Rohit now only plays ODIs. Since leading India to the Champions Trophy title in March, he hasn’t appeared for the national team in over seven months. Recently, the leadership baton was handed over to Shubman Gill, who will begin his captaincy stint with the upcoming tour of Australia.
Rohit has, however, been retained in the squad — though questions about his future are inevitable. Without the captaincy, every series now feels like a test for him, even if there’s nothing left for him to prove. The reality, though, is that at this stage of his career, a poor series or a few low scores could once again invite heavy scrutiny.
Kaif, however, sees no reason for doubt. The former cricketer and commentator remains confident about Rohit’s presence in the next global event.
“Rohit will definitely play in the 2027 World Cup,” Kaif said. “He might have lost the captaincy, but I believe he’ll continue to do his job brilliantly as an opener.”
The 2027 World Cup, scheduled for October–November, will be hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Kaif believes Rohit’s experience and technique will be invaluable in those conditions.
“You always need an experienced opener in the side,” he explained. “You can’t go to South Africa with a completely new team. In such conditions, where the ball often moves and bounces, inexperienced players can struggle. That’s why you need someone like Rohit Sharma — a batter who can handle the bounce, cut and pull short-pitched deliveries with ease. Those pitches suit his game perfectly, and he plays rising deliveries better than anyone else.”
Virat Kohli, though younger by two years, faces a somewhat similar challenge regarding his future. Still, Kaif believes both Rohit and Kohli will remain India’s biggest assets in World Cups.
“Just look at their records,” Kaif added. “In World Cups, you need players like Rohit and Kohli — cricketers who have seen everything, who know how to handle pressure. There will be ups and downs, tough matches, even do-or-die games where you must win to reach the knockouts. In such moments, players like Rohit and Kohli become priceless.”
Rohit holds the record for the most centuries in World Cup history (7). In 28 innings, he has scored 1,575 runs, the fourth-highest tally ever, with an average of 60.57 and a strike rate of 105.49 — both the best among the tournament’s top run-scorers.
Kohli, on the other hand, has 1,795 runs in 37 innings with 5 centuries, averaging 59.83 and striking at 88.20. Only Sachin Tendulkar (2,278 runs) has more World Cup runs than him.
