Former India selector Kris Srikkanth believes there should be absolutely no debate about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s participation in the 2027 World Cup, insisting both have already secured their places. During their 392nd match together for India, the star duo stitched a brilliant 136-run partnership off just 109 deliveries, powering the team to a total of 349 in the allotted 50 overs.

India sealed a 17-run win. Kohli top-scored with a superb 135, and Rohit hammered 57, breaking the milestone for most ODI maximums. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth made it clear that the team’s future World Cup strategy rests on the shoulders of the legendary pair.

“Kohli and Rohit are playing on another level. Without these two, the 2027 World Cup plans will not work out. You need Rohit at one end and Virat at another.

There should be no doubt about it,” said Srikkanth.

According to the former selector, it was the Ro-Ko partnership that turned the contest on its head and pushed South Africa out of contention in Ranchi.

“Rohit and Kohli have consistently piled on runs and destroyed bowling attacks. When those two bat, the opposition has no chance.

That’s exactly what happened today. They batted South Africa out of the game. Credit to South Africa for fighting back, but that partnership had already sealed the outcome,” Srikkanth added.

The former selector credited Kohli and Rohit for their remarkable commitment to fitness, pointing out that at 37 and 38, they have ensured their conditioning remains elite despite featuring in just one format.

“It’s more than just the runs they score. The effort they put into their fitness is incredible. Rohit and Virat feature in only one format now, and staying mentally sharp in that situation is not easy.

For me, their places for the 2027 World Cup are already secured. The No. 1 and No. 3 batting spots belong to them and India can’t win without them,” Srikkanth concluded.