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Virat Kohli’s place in India’s plans for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027 has been a talking point for some time. But Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma does not see any reason to question the former Indian captain’s place in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 team.
Kohli has been delivering strongly in the ODI cricket since the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. In 12 matches, he has scored 760 runs at an average of 76, with three centuries and five fifties. And Rajkumar said that those numbers are more than enough to show that Kohli is still a match-winner. Earlier, Rohit Sharma’s “Non-Committal?” t-shirt sparks fresh debate over 2027 World Cup future.
Rajkumar Sharma backs Virat Kohli for ICC ODI World Cup 2027
Rajkumar Sharma feels Virat Kohli’s place should be judged by his performances rather than his age. The coach has pointed out that the Indian batting maestro has continued to score runs and make an impact whenever he has played for India in the format.
The coach also pointed to Kohli’s attitude and hard work. He has known the batter for more than 25 years and remembers how serious Kohli was about cricket even as a youngster, as he is set to return to action later this month when the Men in Blue will face the West Indies in the ODI series.
Rajkumar Sharma was quoted as saying by the Times of India, "I think you should see for yourself what he’s doing, what he has done in the last few matches, and how he is doing it on the field. So, I think it should not be a discussion even. I mean, as a player, I think he’s a tremendous player. Undoubtedly, he’s a match-winner. On his given day, he’s a match-winner.”
Virat Kohli was a God-gifted guy: Rajkumar Sharma
He also shared that Kohli always had huge confidence in his ability and was ready to put in the hard work needed to improve. He believes that those qualities played a major role in turning Kohli into one of the greatest batters of this generation.
The coach added, “He had tremendous confidence in his own ability, and he works really hard. He’s got tremendous work ethics. Yeah, he was a God-gifted guy. I mean, God has made him for cricket, and the work ethic he had was simply brilliant, and that is why he became such a big player.” Amid this, Ashish Nehra reveals truth about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s World Cup future.
Rajkumar Sharma hails Virat Kohli’s biggest impact on Indian cricket
Rajkumar pointed out that the former Indian captain has played a major role in changing the way Indian cricketers look at fitness. Kohli’s fitness standards and preparation have inspired not only cricketers but people across the country. That is something he remains very proud of.
The coach added, “He has given the fitness mantra not only to the cricketers but to the whole country. So, he has contributed a lot to Indian cricket, and I’m really proud of him. We talk among ourselves also. When he became the captain, he said he never thought of it, that we’ll be there. So, I mean, it is a nostalgic moment. We always remember those.”
