Harbhajan Singh backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for World Cup 2027
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 8:52 AM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has endorsed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to continue their ODI careers leading up to the 2027 World Cup, provided they maintain their fitness and performance. Harbhajan emphasized that age should not be a factor in selection, drawing parallels with Lionel Messi's impactful performance at 39. He highlighted the importance of both players' experience compared to younger teammates like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who may lack the same level of experience. Harbhajan's remarks come amid discussions about the veterans' roles in the national team as they near their forties.
- •Harbhajan Singh argues performance, not age, should dictate selection.
- •He compares Sharma and Kohli to Lionel Messi regarding fitness and performance.
- •Kohli is credited with changing India's winning mentality in cricket.
- •Discussion surrounds roles of veteran players ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
- •Harbhajan believes experience is crucial, especially compared to younger players.
- 8:52 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi doesn’t have that’: Ex-India great explains Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli’s big edge
"Harbhajan Singh argues that selection for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should rely on their performance rather than age. He highlights that both players have the potential to be key contributors in the upcoming World Cup, assuming they maintain their fitness. Drawing inspiration from Lionel Messi, Harbhajan emphasizes that it’s their fitness and performance that should influence their places on the ODI team.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
ICC Cricket World Cup•Oct 13, 2026, 5:13 PM'He never chased that reward': Ashwin reveals what drove Bhuvneshwar Kumar's India comeback
ICC Cricket World Cup•Oct 13, 2026, 4:21 PMBethell returns as England call up youngsters Jack and Rew- ICC Cricket World Cup•Oct 13, 2026, 12:36 PMEngland squad for Australia ODI and T20I series 2026: Full team lists for AUS vs ENG white-ball series
ICC Cricket World Cup•Oct 13, 2026, 10:11 AMEngland rest Archer, Atkinson, Tongue for Australia T20Is
ICC Cricket World Cup•Oct 13, 2026, 7:17 AMSarah Dambanevana, first Zimbabwean female umpire in Women's T20 World Cup, passes away at 36- ICC Cricket World Cup•Oct 13, 2026, 5:27 AMVirat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s 2027 ODI World Cup future: BCCI president clarifies stance on age, fitness and performance
