The recently retired Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane backed his former teammates Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to play the 2027 ODI World Cup as well. However, speculation is ongoing about the duo’s future. The veteran duo have retired from T20Is and Tests and remain active only in ODIs. However, the veteran pair are fourth and second all-time in ODI World Cup runs with 1,575 and 1,795 runs, respectively.

Rahane said (via Indian Express): “We should let them play freely. Everyone gets to that stage in their careers, but seniors also like it when the captain and the team management back them. Let them just play till the 2027 World Cup.”

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Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane specifically backed Rohit Sharma to continue playing for Team India until the 2027 ODI World Cup. He also believes Rohit’s selection should not hinge on performances in individual series, considering his stature in the sport as well.

“I think it is important to tell Rohit Sharma he is going to play the 2027 ODI World Cup. Just look at his contribution over several years. It has been amazing. You need the experience of such a player at a World Cup. There should be no discussions around it. You can’t look at it series by series because he is such a big player,” said Rahane.

“Cricket is a game of rhythm, whether you are a youngster or an experienced player. There is no need to talk about his quality. There should be no debate. If he wants to play the 2027 World Cup, he should play. You can’t doubt his intensity and attitude. Performances can go up and down, but his experience could be useful in crucial matches,” Ajinkya Rahane concluded.