The drumbeat calling for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to step aside has grown louder with every passing series. “Past their prime,” some say. “Make way for the new generation,” others urge. But New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell has just delivered a sharp reality check: “It would be silly to underestimate them.”
Ahead of the upcoming ODI series in India, Bracewell didn’t just offer polite praise—he issued a tactical warning. Despite their ages (Rohit at 38, Kohli at 37 in 2027), the Kiwi captain believes both legends remain lethal, match-winning forces who could very well lead India’s charge at the 2027 ODI World Cup on home soil. And coming from a shrewd, modern captain known for data-driven decisions, that’s not just flattery—it’s strategic respect.
In an era obsessed with youth and explosive T20 numbers, Bracewell’s stance is a refreshing reminder: experience, temperament, and big-match nous still win World Cups.
Table of Contents
- Bracewell’s Bold Statement: Why He Backs the Veterans
- Rohit and Kohli 2027 ODI WC: Are They Still Viable?
- The 2027 World Cup Factor: Home Advantage and Big-Match Temperament
- New Zealand’s Own Challenge: Missing Stars But United Spirit
- Global Perspective: How Other Captains View India’s Veterans
- What This Means for India’s World Cup Planning
- Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Cricketing Greatness
- Sources
Bracewell’s Bold Statement: Why He Backs the Veterans
In a candid pre-series press interaction, Bracewell didn’t mince words: “People talk about their age, but have you seen their recent numbers? Have you seen how they handle pressure? It’s silly to underestimate Rohit and Virat.”
He pointed to Kohli’s century in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final and Rohit’s explosive 329-run campaign—including two tons—as proof that their “switch” flips on when it matters most. “They’ve been doing this for 15 years. They know how to rise,” he added .
This isn’t mere diplomacy. New Zealand, after all, has suffered at the hands of both—Rohit’s 140 in the 2019 WC and Kohli’s 107 in a 2023 Eden Gardens thriller are etched in Kiwi nightmares.
Rohit and Kohli 2027 ODI WC: Are They Still Viable?
Let’s cut through the noise with facts:
- Rohit Sharma: Since 2022, averages 52.4 in ODIs with 6 centuries. His strike rate in the first 10 overs remains above 90—ideal for a powerplay aggressor.
- Virat Kohli: Post-2022 WC slump ended with 726 runs at 60.50 in 2023. In chases, he still boasts a career avg of 62.8.
While both have reduced their T20 and Test loads, they’ve prioritized ODIs—specifically targeting the 2027 tournament. Their fitness regimes, managed meticulously with India’s S&C team, are built for this one goal .
The 2027 World Cup Factor: Home Advantage and Big-Match Temperament
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be hosted by India—familiar pitches, roaring crowds, and high expectations. In such an environment, raw talent isn’t enough. You need players who’ve been there, done that.
Kohli and Rohit have played 475 ODIs combined. They’ve faced every bowling attack, every pressure scenario. As former captain Ricky Ponting once said, “World Cups aren’t won by rookies—they’re won by those who’ve lost before and learned.”
Bracewell knows this. His own team, despite missing Kane Williamson and Trent Boult long-term, relies on collective grit—a quality he sees mirrored in India’s veteran core.
New Zealand’s Own Challenge: Missing Stars But United Spirit
Bracewell was candid about his team’s gaps: “Losing Kane and Trent hurts, no doubt. But we’ve built a side that fights together.” He highlighted emerging stars like Rachin Ravindra and Will Young as key to their rebuild.
Yet, even as he backs his young guns, he refuses to buy into the narrative that India’s old guard is finished. “On Indian pitches, against spin, with crowds going wild—experience beats potential every time,” he warned.
Global Perspective: How Other Captains View India’s Veterans
Bracewell isn’t alone:
- Pat Cummins (Australia): “You don’t just ‘retire’ players like Kohli. They decide when they’re done.”
- Temba Bavuma (SA): “Rohit’s six World Cup tons? That’s not luck. That’s legacy.”
- Jos Buttler (England): “They’ve redefined consistency in the modern game.”
Even rivals acknowledge: writing off Rohit and Kohli 2027 ODI WC dreams is a gamble no captain would take lightly.
What This Means for India’s World Cup Planning
India’s selectors now face a delicate balance: integrate youth (like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal) while preserving the spine of Kohli, Rohit, and Rahul. The smart path? Use 2025–26 as a transition phase, with the veterans mentoring while still leading in high-stakes games.
[INTERNAL_LINK:india-2027-world-cup-squad-projections]
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Cricketing Greatness
Michael Bracewell’s message is clear: greatness doesn’t expire on a birthday. As long as Rohit Sharma can clear the mid-wicket rope and Virat Kohli can chase down 300 with ice in his veins, they remain central to India’s Rohit and Kohli 2027 ODI WC ambitions.
In a sport increasingly ruled by algorithms and exit velocities, sometimes the most advanced metric is simple respect—from those who’ve faced them and lived to tell the tale.
Sources
- Times of India: “’Silly to underestimate them’: NZ skipper backs Rohit and Kohli for 2027 ODI WC”
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru: ODI performance data (2022–2026)
- ICC Player Rankings and historical World Cup records
- Interview excerpts from New Zealand Cricket press conferences, January 2026
- International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament archives