In a passionate defense of two of India’s greatest modern cricketers, former spin legend Harbhajan Singh has slammed the narrative pushing for the forced retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He doesn’t just sympathize; he’s betting on them—for the 2027 WC.
With whispers of a “forced transition” growing louder after their Test retirements in 2025 , Harbhajan argues that sidelining such in-form legends is not just unfair, but detrimental to the team’s future. So, what’s behind his staunch support, and is there real merit to the idea of Kohli and Sharma leading India into the next World Cup?
Table of Contents
- Harbhajan’s Praise and Concerns
- The Undeniable Form of Kohli and Sharma
- A History of Less-Than-Ideal Legendary Send-offs
- Building the Case for the 2027 WC
- Conclusion
- Sources
Harbhajan’s Praise and Concerns
Harbhajan’s core argument isn’t just about sentiment; it’s about merit and respect. He expressed deep disappointment at the way the conversation around Kohli and Sharma’s futures has been framed. He pointed a finger at critics—whom he described as those “who haven’t achieved much”—for presuming to decide the fate of two of the game’s most accomplished players .
His sympathy stems from a sense of déjà vu. “Many greats before them were similarly sidelined,” he noted, drawing a parallel to past Indian legends who didn’t get the farewell or the transition period their contributions deserved . This, he believes, is a recurring flaw in how Indian cricket manages its icons.
For Harbhajan, the duo are more than just batsmen; they are “ideal role models” for the next generation. Their professionalism, their competitive fire, and their leadership-by-example are assets that can’t be quantified in runs alone. Pushing them out the door prematurely would, in his view, rob the younger players of invaluable mentorship on the biggest stage.
The Undeniable Form of Kohli and Sharma
Harbhajan’s backing isn’t just emotional; it’s grounded in hard facts. The suggestion that Kohli and Sharma are past their prime in the ODI format simply doesn’t hold up against their recent performances in 2025.
Virat Kohli has been in scintillating form. In 2025 alone, he has already slammed a century and multiple fifties. His recent score of a magnificent 135 against South Africa on December 3, 2025, is a testament to his enduring class and hunger . His ODI average in 2025 sits at an impressive 58.6, with a healthy strike rate of 92.7 . This is not the record of a player on the decline.
Rohit Sharma, despite some early-year inconsistency, has also shown he can still dominate. His unbeaten 121 against Australia in October 2025 was a vintage innings, proving he can still take the game away from the opposition . He followed it up with a crucial 57 against South Africa in late November . His ability to play the anchor or the aggressor, as the situation demands, remains a unique and powerful weapon for India.
Simply put, both players are not just participating in the ODI setup—they are leading it from the front with the bat.
A History of Less-Than-Ideal Legendary Send-offs
Harbhajan’s fear of history repeating itself is not unfounded. Indian cricket has a complex history with its legends’ exits. Kapil Dev, the World Cup-winning captain, was widely seen as being pushed out before his time, with selectors waiting for him to break a record before effectively ending his career .
Even the great Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI retirement in 2012 was a sudden, emotional decision that many felt was influenced by external pressures and a desire to step away before his form dipped further . More recently, the circumstances around Kohli and Sharma’s Test retirements in 2025 have been the subject of intense speculation, with some former players alleging internal BCCI politics played a role [[31], [33]].
This context gives Harbhajan’s warning real weight. He’s seen how the system can sometimes fail its greatest servants, and he’s determined to prevent that from happening again with two players who are demonstrably still at the top of their ODI game.
Building the Case for the 2027 WC
So, is a 2027 WC featuring Kohli and Sharma a realistic and smart proposition for Team India?
The Pros:
- Proven Big-Match Temperament: Both have been here before. They know what it takes to win on the World Cup stage. Their calmness under pressure is invaluable.
- Current ODI Form: As their 2025 stats show, they are among the team’s most reliable and prolific run-scorers.
- Mentorship & Leadership: Their presence in the dressing room can accelerate the development of young talents like Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal.
- Global Experience: Their understanding of different conditions and oppositions is unmatched.
The Considerations:
- Age & Physical Demands: By 2027, Kohli will be 38 and Sharma 40. Managing their workload across formats will be crucial.
- Building for the Future: The team management must balance their inclusion with the need to blood younger players for the long term.
Harbhajan’s point is not that they should be automatic selections forever, but that their selection should be based on merit and form—which they are currently delivering—not on an arbitrary age or a desire for a sudden overhaul. For a tournament as significant as the World Cup, having your two most experienced and in-form batsmen is often the best strategy. You can learn more about the evolution of India’s ODI strategy from our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-odi-world-cup-history].
Conclusion
Harbhajan Singh’s passionate defense of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma is a timely reminder to value excellence and experience. In a sporting landscape often obsessed with the ‘next big thing,’ his call to back proven winners for the 2027 WC is a powerful one. Their recent, dominant form in ODIs makes this more than just a nostalgic plea—it’s a strategically sound argument. Whether the selectors listen remains to be seen, but for now, the legends are letting their bats do the talking.
Sources
- “‘Unfair for legends’: Harbhajan Singh slams critics deciding Virat Kohli–Rohit Sharma future, backs duo till 2027 World Cup.” Times of India .
- “The sudden Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in May 2025 continue to spark debate over alleged bias.” InsideSport .
- “Former India cricketer Karsan Ghavri alleged that due to BCCI and selectors’ internal politics, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were forced to…” Sportskeeda .
- “Virat Kohli Recent Matches Stats.” ESPNcricinfo .
- “Rohit Sharma Recent Matches Stats.” ESPNcricinfo .
- “Kapil Dev – Indirectly forced to retire. He had lot of cricket left in him.” Quora .