Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Indian Team (Source: AFP)
Suresh Raina has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to feature for India at the 2027 ODI World Cup. The next World Cup will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, with the Men in Blue looking to build on their strong record in recent ICC events.
It is important to mention that Rohit and Kohli are undoubtedly India’s most experienced ODI batters. Both have retired from T20Is and Test cricket and are now focused on the 50-over format.
With the 2027 World Cup still ahead, their age and workload have led to questions about their long-term places in the ODI side for India.
Suresh Raina Gives Rohit-Kohli Duo Backing For 2027 World Cup
Speaking to reporters, Suresh Raina said the experience and proven record of both players would be among the most important factors for India in the ODI World Cup 2027. The former CSK star also said their presence could give the team a 90 per cent chance of winning the tournament.
“We have a run machine at home, and we have a great captain who has won so many trophies in the IPL and for the country. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli need no introduction because I have played a lot of matches with them. This time, we are playing the World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe, and I think having both of them in the team gives us a 90 percent chance of winning the trophy,” Suresh Raina said.
Rohit Sharma has been India's backbone in ODI World Cups
One thing that cannot be denied is that the former India captain Rohit Sharma has been one of India’s most successful ODI players. His record at the ODI World Cup is also impressive, particularly his performance in the 2019 edition.
Rohit also led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Taking a look at his record in the ODI World Cup, he has played 8 matches in the 2015 edition of the marquee tournament. In these matches, the star player scored 330 runs at an average of 47.17 and a strike rate of 91.67.
In the 2019 edition, he played 9 matches and scored 648 runs at an average of 81.00 and a strike rate of 98.33.
Playing in the 2023 edition, Rohit made 597 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 125.95. The Indian opener has scored seven ODI World Cup centuries, the most by any batter in the tournament’s history. His five centuries in the 2019 World Cup are also a record for a single edition.
It is also important to note that overall, Rohit was the top run scorer in the 2019 World Cup edition, and in the 2015 edition, the star player was the second-highest scorer for India.
World Cup
Matches/Innings
Runs
Average
Strike Rate
100s/50s
2015
8/8
330
47.14
91.67
1/2
2019
9/9
648
81
98.33
5/1
2023
11/11
597
54.27
125.95
1/3
(Rohit Sharma's Record In ODI World Cups - Updated Till September 23, 2026)
Virat Kohli's ODI World Cup Record Over The Years
Virat Kohli has been one of India’s most consistent ODI batters and is particularly known for his performances while chasing targets. Looking at Kohli’s numbers in ODI World Cups, his best numbers came in the 2023 edition.
The stylish batter played in 11 matches and made 765 runs at an average of 95.62 and strike rate of 90.32. Kohli was the top run scorer in the 2023 World Cup edition.
World Cup
Matches
Runs
SR/Average
100s/50s
2011
9
282
82.22/35.35
1/1
2015
8
305
81.55/50.83
1/1
2019
9
443
94.06/55.38
0/5
2023
11
765
90.32/95.63
3/6
(Virat Kohli's Record In ODI World Cups - Updated Till September 23, 2026)
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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in Indian Team (Source: AFP)
