In the ever-churning world of Indian cricket, where opinions are as volatile as a T20 over, a powerful voice has cut through the noise. Legendary off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has thrown his full weight behind two of the game’s modern greats, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, in a bold declaration about their future.
His message is clear: it’s time to silence the critics and let the legends write their own final chapters, with their sights firmly set on the 2027 World Cup.
Table of Contents
- Harbhajan’s Fierce Defense of the Legends
- Current Form Makes the Case for Selection
- The Path to the 2027 World Cup
- Beyond the Duo: A Warning on Test Cricket
- Conclusion: Let the Legends Decide
- Sources
Harbhajan’s Fierce Defense of the Legends
Harbhajan Singh’s frustration wasn’t just with the recent on-field results but with the narrative surrounding two of India’s most decorated cricketers. He took a direct swipe at the so-called experts and armchair critics who have been quick to pen the retirement letters for Kohli and Sharma .
“It’s unfair for legends,” Harbhajan stated emphatically. He questioned the authority of individuals who haven’t achieved a fraction of what Kohli and Sharma have in international cricket to be the ones dictating their career timelines . His point is a powerful one: the future of icons should be determined by their own bodies, minds, and performances—not by the hot takes of those on the outside.
He reminded everyone that both players are not relics of the past but are still actively setting benchmarks for the next generation. Their mere presence in the dressing room and in the middle is a masterclass in professionalism for younger players .
Current Form Makes the Case for Selection
The argument for including Kohli and Sharma in the 2027 World Cup conversation isn’t just based on sentiment; it’s backed by hard numbers, especially for Rohit Sharma. In 2025, Rohit has shown flashes of his vintage brilliance. He smashed a stunning 119 off just 90 balls in a recent ODI, a knock that highlighted his enduring class and ability to dominate any bowling attack . Another source notes his 2025 ODI stats as impressive, with a high tally of runs and a healthy strike rate .
While Virat Kohli’s ODI outings in 2025 have been limited, his hunger and drive remain undimmed. His last major tournament, the 2023 ODI World Cup, saw him at his absolute peak, and that level is never far away for a competitor of his caliber. For a player of Kohli’s stature, a few matches are all he needs to find his sublime touch again.
Harbhajan’s stance is that as long as they are performing, they deserve to be in the conversation. Their experience in high-pressure World Cup scenarios is an invaluable asset that cannot be taught in a training camp.
The Path to the 2027 World Cup
The 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa is still a couple of years away, but the planning for Team India has already begun . The qualification pathway is clear: the top eight teams in the ICC ODI rankings as of March 31, 2027, will secure automatic qualification . Given India’s current standing, their place in the tournament is all but guaranteed, which gives the selectors the luxury of planning a long-term strategy.
This extended timeline is precisely what Harbhajan is banking on. It provides Kohli and Sharma with the perfect runway to manage their workload, stay fit, and peak at the right time. Their potential participation isn’t about blocking young talent; it’s about a final, glorious swan song for two of the game’s greats, who can provide stability and mentorship to a transitioning side.
Other former players have echoed this sentiment. Even Morne Morkel, a former South African speedster who has faced their wrath, has backed the duo for the 2027 showpiece event .
Beyond the Duo: A Warning on Test Cricket
Harbhajan’s comments weren’t limited to the white-ball future of his former teammates. In the wake of India’s disappointing home Test series loss to South Africa, he issued a stark warning about the state of the longer format in the country .
He lamented that India’s “future generations” are at risk because of the deteriorating standards of Test cricket, particularly the quality of pitches . He argued that the pitches are often too batsman-friendly, failing to prepare the next generation for the challenges of overseas tours where seam, swing, and bounce are paramount .
This broader concern highlights Harbhajan’s deep love for the game in all its forms. He isn’t just fighting for his old friends’ legacies; he’s fighting for the future health of Indian cricket across all formats.
Conclusion: Let the Legends Decide
Harbhajan Singh’s passionate outburst is a timely reminder of the respect legends command and the importance of performance over age. While the debate about team transition is healthy, it should be driven by on-field realities, not by a predetermined retirement calendar for its greatest servants.
The dream of a final World Cup together for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in 2027 is not just a nostalgic fantasy; it’s a viable and powerful goal. With their current form, unmatched experience, and the backing of their peers, they have every right to aim for one last shot at ODI glory. Ultimately, as Harbhajan insists, the decision on their future should be theirs alone to make.
For more insights on India’s future plans, check out our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-odi-schedule-2025-2027].
Sources
- Times of India: ‘Unfair for legends’: Harbhajan slams critics deciding Virat–Rohit future
- ESPN Cricinfo: Harbhajan Singh on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future
- ICC Official Website: 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup qualification pathway