 "Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play only the ODI cricket with both aiming to take India to glory in the 2027 Cricket World Cup. Reuters")
India bowling coach Morne Morkel on Friday said former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can surely play the 2027 Cricket World Cup because the duo has already won big tournaments.
Rohit and Virat have both retired from Test cricket and T20Is but continue to play ODIs with an eye on the 2027 tournament that will take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The team management too seems on board with the plan of the veteran duo.
Morkel backs World Cup bid of Kohli, Rohit
“It’s still a long way away. They’re quality players. As long as they’re happy to put the hard work in and the fitness, sure,” Morkel said ahead of the India-South Africa ODI series that begins November 30 in Ranchi.
The former South Africa pacer said the duo has the experience of winning trophies in big tournaments and that will be key.
“I’ve always believed in experience and to have that experience, you don’t find that anywhere. They’ve won trophies, they know how to play big tournaments. So for sure, the World Cup, by all means," Morkel said.
Indian bowling coach also recalled how tough it was for him to plan for Rohit and Virat.
“I’ve played many games against them. I’ve had sleepless nights bowling to them. So I know as a bowler what goes through your preparation playing against them. So for me, definitely on board with that (with Kohli and Rohit playing the World Cup).”
Gill, Iyer fitness update
India will be led by KL Rahul in the ODI series with captain Shubman Gill and vice captain Shreyas Iyer both out of the squad due to injuries.
Gill injured his neck during the first India vs South Africa Test while Iyer suffered a freak injury while fielding in Australia.
Morkel said the injured duo is recovering well and have started preparing to return to the team soon.
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View All“I think the best is for the medical to give that. I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him and he’s recovering well. So that’s pleasing to hear. Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great. So yeah, we’re looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. And the good thing is that they’re healthy and they’re starting their preparation on their way back into the team,” Morkel said.