Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas has backed former India captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. The batting great believes age should not determine selection, stating that their experience, class, and ability still make them valuable assets for India.
Rohit Sharma and Virat's ODI futures have been a major talking point since India won the 2025 Champions Trophy. Despite growing retirement speculation, both veterans are expected to remain available for the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Age Should Not Be a Factor - Zaheer Abbas Backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for 2027 World Cup
Speaking on a Pakistani television channel, Zaheer Abbas backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to continue playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup. He said that age should never become the deciding factor if they remain fit and continue scoring runs.
"Both are very, very good in terms of skill and, given their experience, I don't see any reason why they should not play the World Cup. Age should not be a factor as long as they are fit and continue scoring runs," he said.
Virat returned to international cricket during the England ODI series after a hamstring injury ruled him out of India's three-match home ODI series against Afghanistan in June.
It Is Still a Pleasure to Watch Him Bat - Zaheer Abbas Praises Rohit Sharma's Class
Zaheer Abbas also praised Rohit Sharma after his century against England. Rohit ended the series on a high with a brilliant 138 in the final match, while Virat Kohli recovered from a disappointing first game with back-to-back half-centuries, scoring 65 and 75.
"I watched Rohit score a hundred against England, and it is still a pleasure to watch him bat. He plays so effortlessly and with such sweet timing," Zaheer said.
Rohit became the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at Lord's. He smashed 138 off 110 balls, including 17 fours and five sixes, in the third and final ODI against England. However, India finished on 360/7 to lose the match by 27 runs, as England sealed the three-match ODI series 2-1.
Good Times Will Return - Zaheer Abbas Backs Babar Azam and Pakistan Cricket
Zaheer Abbas also shared his thoughts on Pakistan cricket, urging fans to remain patient during a difficult phase. He believes the team's fortunes can improve with Babar Azam returning as Test captain and leading from the front with the bat.
"Hopefully, the return of Babar Azam as Test captain will turn things around. He is a world-class player and, once he starts scoring runs consistently again, it will have a positive impact on the rest of the team as well. Good times will return for Pakistan cricket," he said.
Pakistan are looking to rebuild after a difficult period in Test cricket. However, the Men in Green suffered a 90-run defeat in the first Test of the two-match series against the West Indies. The team is at the bottom of the standings in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
