Cricketer-turned-expert Harbhajan Singh has stated that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's aspirations to play the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 are a bit far-fetched after the duo retired from the T20 and Test formats recently. The two stalwarts are yet to announce retirements from the ODI format, and have the ambition to play the ODI WC 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, & Namibia.
On several occasions, the two senior pros have stated that they want to be part of the global event after they suffered a heartbreak in the 2023 WC final against Australia. Kohli, as well as Rohit, scored heavily in the 10-team tournament in the WC held in India, only to see the dream shattered in the final game against Australia on November 19 in Ahmedabad. However, Harbhajan feels quitting two formats of the game might limit their chances of match practice and maintaining peak fitness at the showpiece event.
"It's too far. It's been a very long time, and they are not playing any other formats. It becomes very difficult for anyone, no matter how much commitment you have or how great you are. If you do not play the game continuously, somewhere the game moves ahead and you are left behind," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
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Harbhajan cites Dhoni's example of dwindling match fitness
The cricket expert went on to further cite the example of MS Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2019, and still continues to play IPL for CSK. Dhoni's batting prowess has consistently dwindled, and the expert feels the same might happen to Kohli and Rohit.
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"It will be hard. We have seen MS Dhoni playing in the IPL. Look at his performance in the last three years. You see the difference between this Dhoni and the Dhoni from six years ago when he was playing for India consistently,” Harbhajan added.
