India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed confidence that senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli can feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup, provided they maintain their fitness and motivation.
Speaking ahead of the ODI series against South Africa, Morkel emphasized the value of their experience in major tournaments. "They’ve won trophies, they know how to play big tournaments," Morkel said, recalling his own "sleepless nights" bowling against the duo.
The upcoming series will see KL Rahul lead the side in the absence of regular captain Shubman Gill, who is recovering from a neck injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is also unavailable due to a spleen injury suffered during the Australia series.
Morkel provided an update on their recovery, stating that Gill is improving and Iyer has commenced rehabilitation. "The good thing is that they’re healthy and they’re starting their preparation on their way back into the team," he noted.
For Kohli, the series marks a critical juncture as questions persist regarding his commitment to domestic cricket, a prerequisite now emphasized by the BCCI for international selection. While Rohit Sharma has reportedly made himself available for Mumbai in domestic fixtures, Kohli's stance remains unclear.
With the Vijay Hazare Trophy approaching in December, his participation could signal his intent to continue through to the next World Cup. Morkel's comments suggest that the team management is keen to retain the services of Kohli if he aligns with these requirements.
Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, appears to have rejuvenated his career with a renewed focus on fitness. At 38, the former captain looked noticeably leaner during practice sessions in Ranchi, a transformation attributed to a strict lifestyle change over the past ten months.
Having scored a century in the recent series against Australia, Rohit seems comfortable in his role as a senior mentor under younger leadership. His interactions with teammates like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana highlight his continued enthusiasm for the ODI format.
As India prepares to face South Africa, the spotlight remains firmly on the veteran duo. While Morkel's endorsement boosts their prospects, the onus lies on both players to demonstrate their hunger and adaptability. With the ODI format potentially entering its twilight, the series offers a platform for Kohli and Rohit to prove they still have plenty to offer on the road to 2027.