Robin Singh backs Rohit, Kohli as India plan for 2027 ODI World Cup

Former India all-rounder Robin Singh backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup, citing their form, fitness and experience. He also discussed India’s selection strategy and said Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami deserved consideration

New Delhi: Former India cricketer Robin Singh said Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would be major assets to the Indian team at the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Rohit and Kohli have been in good form in recent ODIs. Rohit has scored two centuries and a 92 in his last five innings, while Kohli has hit a century and two half-centuries, scoring 74 and 65, in his last five outings. With the World Cup less than a year away, both appear to be in contention for the tournament.

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Speaking exclusively to IANS, former India all-rounder Robin Singh said the experience and current form of the two former captains would be crucial for the Men in Blue at the World Cup.

“I think experience is one thing. But more importantly, I think it’s their form that is important. And of course, you know, with age you have enough and more experience. So that’s really not a problem. They know what to do,” Robin told IANS.

He said both players had been doing “exceptionally well” in maintaining their fitness and would be major assets to the team at the global showpiece.

“It’s more about staying in the moment, staying fit and keeping playing well. I think they are doing that exceptionally well. So there are no complaints. They definitely will be a big asset to the Indian team,” he said.

India have tried out several players in recent ODI matches as they work towards identifying the best combination for the World Cup. Singh said head coach Gautam Gambhir and his team were likely to select players for upcoming ODI series in line with their World Cup strategy.

“Look, I think they are trying out as many players as possible. They do have their formula in place. So I am pretty sure Gautam and his team members will have their formula. I am sure he has a way of what he would like to do in the World Cup. What type of players he wants for the World Cup.

“So I am pretty sure they will try and pick people around that strategy to give them enough opportunities to perform and to have the ability to pick the best team going forward before the World Cup,” Singh, who has played 136 ODIs and one Test for India, said.

India have recalled Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour, prompting speculation about whether he and Mohammed Shami could feature at the World Cup, given the seam-friendly conditions expected during the tournament.

Singh, who has also coached the erstwhile Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians in the IPL, said both bowlers should be considered if they remained part of the team management’s plans.

“Again, you know, it depends on what they (team management) want. So if they are in the mix, they should be playing.

“I don’t see any surprises happening. But if they are not in the mix, then it becomes difficult,” Singh said.

He praised both bowlers, saying their performances had warranted consideration for a return to the Indian team. Bhuvneshwar has been recalled to the T20I squad, while Shami remains out of the side.

“I think these two are excellent bowlers irrespective of their age. I saw Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowling in T20 last year. They played a lot of domestic cricket as well. And they have actually done enough to give themselves a chance to get back into the side. Both are really good bowlers, excellent bowlers,” he said.