Harbhajan Singh Warns on Rohit-Kohli World Cup Selection
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been at the center of discussions ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, and legendary spinner Harbhajan Singh has issued a major warning to India’s team management. According to Harbhajan, the experience and match-winning ability of Rohit and Kohli should make them the first names on the World Cup roster.
Harbhajan Singh Backs Rohit-Kohli for World Cup 2027
Harbhajan Singh praised the duo’s recent performances in the ODI series against South Africa. “Ro-Ko had a blockbuster ODI series,” he said, highlighting Rohit Sharma’s two outstanding half-centuries and Virat Kohli’s consecutive centuries in Ranchi and Raipur, followed by a dynamic half-century at Visakhapatnam.
Advice to Gautam Gambhir and Team Management
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan urged head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar not to “lose experience in pursuit of youth.” He warned that sidelining proven performers could backfire in high-pressure matches. “If you lose experience chasing youth, it can be a problem in big matches,” he noted.
Building the Team Around Veterans
Harbhajan emphasized that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s presence strengthens the batting lineup. He insisted that their experience and temperament in pressure situations make them irreplaceable assets. According to him, these senior players provide stability, confidence, and a sense of direction that young cricketers can rely on during challenging moments.
He further added that you shouldn’t sideline them; instead, the team should be built around their strengths and proven match-winning abilities. The spinner stressed that their fitness levels and form remain strong, and their leadership—both on and off the field—will be crucial for navigating tough phases and ensuring India’s success in the upcoming World Cup.
Recent Form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli ended as the top run-getter in the series with 302 runs at an average of 151.00, including two centuries and a fifty. Rohit Sharma scored 148 runs in three innings, averaging 48.66 with two fifties.
Across all ODIs this year, the “Ro-Ko” duo emerged as India’s top scorers. Virat amassed 651 runs in 13 innings at an average of 65.10 with three centuries and four fifties. Rohit scored 650 runs in 14 innings, averaging 50.00, with two centuries and four fifties. These statistics reinforce Harbhajan’s call to prioritize their inclusion for the World Cup.
Lessons from the Last World Cup
Harbhajan recalled India’s last World Cup campaign, emphasizing the importance of experience under pressure. “In the last World Cup final, the pitch was slow, and Australia won due to handling pressure better,” he said. He believes having Rohit and Kohli at the top of the order mitigates risks and provides a solid foundation for the team.
Why Experience Matters in Big Matches
The former spinner warned that ignoring seasoned players in favor of youth could prove costly. “The first two names should be Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and the rest of the team should be formed after that,” Harbhajan insisted. His message is clear: the balance between experience and youth is crucial for India’s World Cup ambitions.
Looking Ahead to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027
Harbhajan’s endorsement highlights the ongoing debate around India’s squad selection. With both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in peak form, their inclusion is expected to strengthen the team’s chances. Fans and experts alike are keen to see if India’s management follows this advice and secures a blend of experience and emerging talent for a successful World Cup campaign.
In conclusion, the warning from Harbhajan Singh underscores the strategic importance of senior players in India’s World Cup preparations. His insight serves as a reminder that big tournaments require a balance of proven performers and fresh talent to achieve championship success.
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