Former Indian batter Shikhar Dhawan has thrown his support behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, calling the duo true legends of Indian cricket and expressing confidence they will still have a big role to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Shikhar Dhawan Foundation’s first STEM lab on Thursday, the former India opener reflected on a bond that stretches back nearly two decades. Dhawan said both Rohit and Kohli have been serving Indian cricket for many years and remain important to the team. He added that he has known both players since they were around 16 years old.

“They are legends, they have performed for the country for so many years. Whether it's Virat or Rohit, all of us have had a relationship since we were around 16 years old. They are 2-3 years younger than me. And it's a matter of great joy that they are preparing now. Rohit recently scored a hundred at Lord's, so he scored a wonderful century and showed how his bat talks. Well, he's been showing it for so many years. And when a bit of a tough situation came, he replied with his bat," Dhawan said.

Shikhar Dhawan backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play in 2027 World Cup despite age concerns

There have been plenty of questions over whether 37-year-old Virat Kohli and 39-year-old Rohit Sharma can feature in the 2027 World Cup because of their age. Shikhar Dhawan said that both these players will add a lot of value in the World Cup and backed them to play. The former Indian opener also praised Virat Kohli, who scored two half-centuries in the same series. 

“And as for Virat, the more he is praised, the less it is. Keeping himself so fit, performing so well. And I’m sure that both of them will add a lot of value in the World Cup and help the team win.”

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are only part of the ODI format having retired from other formats. The duo have been doing well to silence the critics. Virat Kohli scored two half-centuries in the series against England, while Rohit hit a century at Lord's when the pressure was high. There are plenty of ODI matches scheduled ahead of the World Cup and Team India will be hoping these two senior players can step up and make it to the 2027 World Cup.