Kohli & Rohit in 2027 World Cup? Morne Morkel Backs Veterans

In the volatile world of international cricket, where age is often weaponized against players and "transition" is the buzzword of every selection meeting, a resounding vote of confidence has emerged from the Indian dressing room. Morne Morkel, India's bowling coach and a former South African pace spearhead who once terrorized batters worldwide, has thrown his weight behind the possibility of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated three-match ODI series against South Africa in Ranchi, Morkel dismissed concerns about the duo's longevity, emphasizing that their class, experience, and hunger for the game could easily carry them through to the next global showpiece event in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

The "Sleepless Nights" Factor

Morkel’s endorsement comes from a place of deep personal respect and firsthand combat experience. Having played against both Sharma and Kohli during the peak of his career, Morkel understands the psychological and technical dominance these two bring to the crease.

"I’ve played many games against them. I’ve had sleepless nights bowling to them," Morkel admitted candidly during the pre-match press conference. "So I know, as a bowler, what goes through your preparation playing against them. So for me, I am definitely on board with that."

This statement highlights a crucial, often overlooked aspect of veteran players: the fear factor. Morkel argues that the mere presence of Kohli and Rohit in the lineup forces opposition teams to alter their strategies and creates a psychological pressure that younger, albeit talented, players have yet to cultivate. Their ability to control the tempo of an innings and their proven track record in high-pressure chases are assets that cannot be easily replaced or replicated in the domestic circuit.

The Fitness Caveat: "If They Are Happy to Put in the Work"

While his support was unwavering, Morkel was realistic about the challenges that lie ahead. The 2027 World Cup is still three years away, a lifetime in professional sports. By the time the tournament arrives, Rohit Sharma will be nearing 40, and Virat Kohli will be 38.

Morkel clarified that their participation hinges entirely on their physical conditioning and mental fortitude. "It’s still a long way away," he noted. "They’re quality players. As long as they’re happy to put the hard work in and the fitness, sure. If they mentally and physically feel that their bodies can do that, then by all means."

This places the ball firmly in the court of the players. Both Kohli and Rohit have recently retired from the T20I format following India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup, a move seen by many as a strategic decision to prolong their careers in the longer formats. By shedding the load of T20 internationals, they have bought themselves time and energy to focus on ODIs and Tests, potentially clearing the runway for a 2027 bid.

Irreplaceable Experience in Big Tournaments

A recurring theme in Morkel’s address was the value of "experience" — a commodity that cannot be bought or fast-tracked. The scars of the 2023 World Cup final loss to Australia still linger, but so does the memory of how dominant India looked throughout that tournament under Rohit’s captaincy and Kohli’s run-scoring spree.

"I’ve always believed in experience, and to have that experience, you don’t find that anywhere," Morkel emphasized. "They’ve won trophies, they know how to play big tournaments."

In knockout games and high-stakes encounters, decision-making under pressure is paramount. Morkel suggests that discarding players who have navigated these waters for over a decade in favor of fresh faces solely based on age could be a strategic misstep. The roadmap to 2027, therefore, might not be about finding replacements, but about managing the workload of these titans to ensure they peak at the right moment.

Bouncing Back: The Immediate Challenge

The conversation about 2027 comes at a critical juncture for the Indian team. The squad is currently reeling from a historic Test series defeat against South Africa on home soil—a rare blemish on India's formidable home record. The upcoming ODI series offers a chance for redemption and a shift in momentum.

Rohit Sharma enters the series in decent touch, having scored a century and a fifty in the recent ODI series against Australia. Virat Kohli, too, showed his class with an unbeaten 74 in his last ODI outing, silencing critics after a brief lean patch.

The transition to white-ball cricket provides a fresh start. "It was a disappointing two weeks for us [in the Tests]," Morkel acknowledged. "But we have had a couple of days to reflect. The important thing is to keep all our energy towards the white-ball team. A couple of fresh energy into the squad with Virat and Rohit coming back. Excited for the next couple of weeks playing white-ball cricket."

Team Updates: Gill and Iyer Recovery

Apart from the senior duo, Morkel also provided updates on the fitness of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, two key pillars of India's future batting core. Gill, who suffered a neck spasm during the Tests, and Iyer are reportedly "coming along well," though their participation in the immediate matches remains subject to medical clearance. Their return will be vital for India to field a full-strength side capable of challenging the Proteas.

Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making?

Morne Morkel’s comments have ignited a fascinating debate in the cricketing world. Can Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli emulate the longevity of legends like Sachin Tendulkar? If they do suit up for the 2027 World Cup, it would be a poetic opportunity to rewrite the ending of their ODI careers—potentially lifting the trophy on African soil.

For now, the focus remains on Ranchi, where the journey to 2027 continues, one match at a time. As Morkel put it, as long as the fire burns and the body complies, the door remains wide open for India’s modern greats.