Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has thrown his full support behind Rohit Sharma, predicting the veteran opener will play a “big” and “definite” role in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup campaign—even if he’s no longer captain.
Speaking to the media, Kaif emphasized that Rohit’s experience, calm demeanor, and technical mastery against pace and bounce make him indispensable in high-stakes tournaments, especially in overseas conditions where the 2027 World Cup is expected to be held.
“He will definitely play,” Kaif asserted. “Rohit Sharma’s ability to handle pressure and adapt to challenging pitches is unmatched. You can’t just replace that with raw talent.”
At 38 by the time the 2027 World Cup rolls around, Rohit will be among the oldest players in the Indian squad. But age, Kaif argues, is secondary to impact.
“In World Cups, it’s not about how fast you run or how many sixes you hit in a T20 league,” Kaif explained. “It’s about temperament, reading the game, and staying composed when the stakes are highest. Rohit has done that time and again.”
His point is hard to dispute. Rohit holds the record for most centuries in World Cup history (7), including two in the 2019 edition alone. His 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains the highest individual score in ODI cricket.
Kaif also stressed the importance of blending youth with seasoned campaigners in knockout tournaments. “You need young legs, yes—but you also need voices in the dressing room who’ve been there, done that,” he said.
He cited examples like MS Dhoni in 2019 and Sachin Tendulkar in 2011, both of whom played pivotal roles despite being past their physical primes. “Rohit can be that anchor in 2027,” Kaif added.
| Tournament | Matches | Runs | Centuries | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 World Cup | 8 | 330 | 1 | 47.14 |
| 2019 World Cup | 9 | 648 | 5 | 81.00 |
| 2023 World Cup | 11 | 597 | 2 | 59.70 |
Even in the 2023 final against Australia—where India fell short—Rohit top-scored with a gritty 47 on a difficult pitch, showcasing his resilience.
With rising stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill already staking claims, some fans question whether there’s room for Rohit in 2027. But Kaif believes the opener’s role isn’t just about runs—it’s about leadership without a title.
“Even if he’s not captain, Rohit’s presence stabilizes the top order,” Kaif noted. “Young batters look up to him. That intangible value doesn’t show up in stats—but it wins World Cups.”
Rohit stepped down as India’s white-ball captain after the 2023 World Cup, passing the baton to Hardik Pandya in limited-overs formats. Yet he remains a core member of the ODI setup, with selectors consistently backing his form and fitness.
If he maintains his current trajectory—and avoids major injury—there’s little doubt he’ll be on the plane to 2027. And if Kaif’s prediction holds, Rohit Sharma might just deliver one last World Cup masterclass before bowing out.
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