Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli - (Source: AFP)
Rohit Sharma fired a thunderous century against England in India’s series-deciding third ODI match at Lord’s in London on July 19. In what was “reportedly supposed” to be his final international outing, the legendary opener unleashed one of his magnum opus performances in an ODI chase for Team India.
The cricketer also shattered numerous records in the process and attained a major landmark alongside longtime teammate Virat Kohli. With Rohit returning to form, it is safe to assume that the 39-year-old is still fit and raring to go all the way for India up until next year’s 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
While speaking after the run-fest in London, the seasoned pro has now indirectly demanded the presence of Virat in India’s line-up for the showpiece event in South Africa.
Rohit Sharma reflects special bond with Virat Kohli after redemption innings
While speaking with the BCCI after India’s high-scoring defeat against England, legendary opener Rohit Sharma reflected on his special bond with fellow seasoned pro Virat Kohli.
It is worth noting that the two cricketers shared a fighting 113-run partnership for the second wicket, as they kept India in the hunt until Sharma’s dismissal. Playing their record 400th international match together for India, Rohit highlighted the understanding he shares with Kohli as the legendary opener fends off retirement rumours to play till the 2027 World Cup next year.
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He said, “We played our entire career together. So, you know, it was nice to have him in the middle. We've had a lot of partnerships. It's always fun batting together. We understand each other so much. And yeah, it's always nice in the middle, bouncing off ideas, trying to see what we can do. So, there was a lot of conversation that was going around in between when we were batting.”
An account of Rohit-Kohli memorable partnerships
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have now played 400 international matches together, thus becoming the first Indian pair to scale the landmark figure. While Rohit made his international debut in 2007, Kohli burst onto the scene shortly after winning the U19 World Cup the following year.
Together, the two legendary batters have shared some remarkable partnerships and scripted historic wins for Team India.
Some of the most defining moments in their time together remain India’s memorable 2013 and 2025 ICC Champions Trophy wins in England and the UAE, respectively.
A couple of years ago, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli won a ‘Player of the Match’ each in the semifinal and the final of India’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup. The two cricketers later concurrently announced their retirements from T20Is and Tests, with ODIs remaining their sole focus as they aim to clinch the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa next year.
Why India needs Kohli, Rohit’s experience in World Cup 2027?
If recent results are any indication, Team India needs the presence of both, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in their road towards the 2027 ICC World Cup.
It appears that the national ODI line-up does not have a settled batting order yet, barring the two cricketers, with the likes of Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer struggling to come up clutch in this month’s ODI series in England.
If Rohit Sharma gets his wish, Indian fans could witness one final chapter of the iconic Rohit-Virat partnership on the biggest stage at the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
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.jpg?type=mq "Yuvraj Singh On Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli's ODI future")
