Legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya backed Indian superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Jayasuriya believes that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can play a big role in India’s campaign and help young players learn many important things.
With questions being raised about the former Indian captain’s future in ODI cricket, Jayasuriya has strongly backed the duo to play in the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. He feels that a combination of experienced stars and young players can give India a balanced team for the tournament. Amid this, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill share a funny moment ahead of 1st ODI vs West Indies.
Sanath Jayasuriya backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for ICC ODI World Cup 2027
Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Corporate Cricket World Cup launch event in Gurugram, Sanath Jayasuriya shared his views on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future. “I think it’s good to have senior players in the team because the young guys can learn from their experience and how to handle the pressure in big tournaments,” he said.
Jayasuriya also pointed out that India already have a blend of youth and experience. The former Sri Lanka head coach feels keeping Rohit and Virat in the squad would be beneficial for India’s future World Cup campaigns.
Jayasuriya was quoted as saying by ANI, “They (Team India) have both youth and experience and are a mixed team. There are a lot of things for youngsters to learn from experienced players. So, I think that is a good thing when you have senior players on the team. Youngsters will learn from them; it is a good mix for future World Cups for India.”
Both Rohit and Virat have retired from Test cricket in May 2025 and T20I cricket after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory. They are now focused only on ODIs, but the limited number of matches in the format has raised questions about their availability for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
Rohit Sharma’s incredible ODI World Cup stats
Rohit Sharma who has already played in 3 ODI World Cups, from 2015 to 2023, has put in stellar performances in every edition. His best performance was in the 2019 World Cup in England where he ended up as the highest run-getter with 648 runs from nine matches.
He smashed five centuries and one half-century during the tournament. Overall, Rohit has scored 1,575 runs in 28 World Cup matches at an average of 60.57. His seven centuries are the most by any batter in the history of the men’s ODI World Cup, while he has also scored six half-centuries.
Rohit has scored 11,895 runs in 288 ODIs and 280 innings at an average of 48.95. He has registered 34 centuries and 62 half-centuries, making him India’s third-highest run-scorer and third-highest century-maker in the format. Amid this, Hayley Matthews created a world record against Zimbabwe, joins Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in elite list.
Virat Kohli’s numbers make him a huge asset for India
Virat Kohli’s records in ODIs and the World Cup too have been phenomenal. The former Indian captain is the second-highest run-scorer in men’s ODI World Cup history, with 1,795 runs in 37 matches and innings at an average of 59.83. He has scored five centuries and 12 half-centuries in the tournament.
In ODIs, Virat has accumulated 14,941 runs in 314 matches and 302 innings at an average of 58.59. His record includes 54 centuries and 79 half-centuries, making him one of the most successful batters the format has ever seen.
His performances in successful run-chases have been equally remarkable. Virat has scored 6,235 runs in 111 matches and 105 innings while chasing in successful ODIs, at an incredible average of 89.07. He has smashed 24 centuries and 29 half-centuries in these matches.
