Every few months, Indian cricket revisits its favourite existential question: Is this the last dance for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma? Two modern giants, two World Cup-winning pillars, two men who carry the weight of expectation heavier than an SG Test ball soaked in dew and yet, the future conversation around them refuses to settle.
Morne Morkel, India’s bowling coach and a seasoned observer of elite sporting longevity, tossed fresh fuel into the debate by backing both Kohli and Rohit to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. His reasoning? Experience isn’t something you audition for; it’s earned, irreplaceable, and historically invaluable in high-pressure tournaments.
Experience That Still Wins Tournaments
Morkel’s stance isn’t sentimental; it’s strategic. Kohli and Rohit have a combined 25,000+ ODI runs, countless big-game knocks, and nearly two decades of tournament nous. Their mastery isn’t just about scoring; it’s about absorbing pressure when the top order trembles, or pacing chases on tricky surfaces.
You can groom talent, but you cannot simulate a World Cup semifinal. And India, more than most sides, often gets undone by that thin margin of temperament. For 2027 in South Africa, a country where both have thriving ODI records, the duo’s experience becomes not just relevant but advantageous.
India’s Red-Ball Setback and the White-Ball Reset
The loss to South Africa was much more than a brief dip for the Indian Test team; it exposed some uncomfortable realities that were already somewhat evident before this series began.
The batting collapses have returned, along with the uncertainty surrounding who will be ready to step into the void when the current group of players begins to transition away from their playing careers. Additionally, as has been the case for several years, the Indian team has continued to rely far too heavily on its veteran players. However, by using the energy of the past two weeks to shift the focus of the Indian cricket fans from being disappointed with the results in Test match competition, to looking forward to the opportunities that the remainder of the summer will bring in the one-day (white ball) competitions. The Indian team will look to heal some wounds, but also gain momentum heading into what could prove to be a very important next three-year cycle of one-day international cricket for the country.
Gill & Iyer: The Transitional Headache
Injuries to Shubman Gill (neck spasm) and Shreyas Iyer (long-term rehab) complicate India’s ideal roadmap. Gill is recovering well, Morkel confirmed, while Iyer has only begun his comeback trail.
India wanted 2024–26 to be the grooming phase, Gill at No. 3, Iyer as the spin stabiliser, Hardik leading the mid-overs tempo. Instead, the selectors must lean on familiarity while waiting for the transition batch to heal.
Their presence doesn’t stall the next generation; it shields them. Their experience doesn’t block opportunities; it amplifies success rates. And their leadership, especially after a painful Test series, is precisely the ballast India’s dressing room requires.
By 2027, India shouldn’t ask, “Are they too old?” The real question will be, “Are they still the best options available?” And if the answer is yes, then age becomes nothing more than a number the opposition wishes mattered.
Key Takeaway
India’s 2027 World Cup hopes hinge less on age and more on readiness, and right now, Kohli and Rohit remain irreplaceably ready.
FAQs
1. Why does Morkel believe Rohit and Kohli can play in 2027?
Because their experience in big tournaments and elite fitness standards make them valuable if they remain physically capable.
2. What impact do Gill and Iyer’s injuries have on India’s plans?
Their absence delays the succession timeline, increasing reliance on senior players for stability.
3. How does India’s Test series defeat relate to this discussion?
It heightens the need for strong leadership and proven performers as India tries to reset in white-ball formats.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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