Yuvraj Singh has backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to remain in contention for India’s plans leading into the 2027 World Cup, stressing that form and match impact should guide selection decisions.
Yuvraj backs Kohli, Rohit amid 2027 World Cup debate
Speaking on a podcast with Vikrant Gupta, Yuvraj said Kohli’s recent ODI performances have been strong, while Rohit has maintained consistency across formats. He pointed out that questions around long-term planning often focus on age, but current output remains a key factor.
Yuvraj added that team management will need to assess how ready the next line of players is closer to the tournament. If there is a gap in experience or performance, he believes established players like Kohli and Rohit could still play a role. He said such calls are usually taken based on conditions at that time rather than fixed timelines.
Focus on form over transition timeline
Yuvraj said Kohli remains capable of adapting to any situation, describing him as a player who can deliver at the highest level when required. He added that Rohit’s ability to anchor and accelerate continues to be valuable in major tournaments.
He also noted that transition phases in international cricket are rarely straightforward. Teams often balance experience with youth depending on form, fitness and format demands. The presence of senior players can help maintain stability while younger players are introduced into the side.
Conditions could favour experienced players
The discussion comes at a time when India are assessing their core group for the next ODI cycle. The 2027 World Cup, scheduled in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, is expected to offer challenging conditions for batters.
In that context, Yuvraj’s view that experienced players like Kohli and Rohit could be crucial is not misplaced. His comments underline a simple point, decisions around 2027 will depend less on age and more on readiness. If the emerging group is not fully prepared, senior players may still be part of the plan.
Kohli was last in action during the ODI series against New Zealand cricket team in January 2026, where he finished as India’s leading run-scorer and the second-highest overall with 240 runs in three matches. Rohit also featured in that series but managed 61 runs across three innings.