AB de Villiers is convinced that India should keep building their strategy for the 2027 ODI World Cup around Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, even with some recent doubts about the future of these senior players. The former South Africa captain pointed out that their worth goes far beyond mere numbers, as they have consistently performed under pressure in crucial moments. De Villiers emphasized that India will need seasoned players in South Africa, and he believes Rohit and Kohli are the perfect duo to spearhead the batting lineup for this prestigious tournament. His comments came on the heels of Rohit’s match-winning century at Lord’s, which reignited discussions about his role in India’s long-term vision.
De Villiers said the duo’s record in ICC tournaments makes them difficult to replace. According to him, “You need that experience in big tournaments. You just can’t buy that at a supermarket; what Virat and Rohit bring to the party. In pressure moments, it changes everything. There’s a whole different pressure playing in World Cups and big tournaments.”
“I would just manage him really well” – AB De Villiers Backs Rohit Sharma Despite Inconsistency
While showing his support for Rohit in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup, De Villiers acknowledged that consistency hasn’t always been Rohit’s strong suit. He pointed out that Rohit’s performances can vary quite a bit during bilateral series, as he said, “I would just manage him really well and make sure he stays match-fit more than anything else and get him ready for that World Cup.”
He also mentioned that India’s main focus should be on keeping Rohit fit and ready for action, rather than piling on the pressure before the World Cup.
Recent statistics illustrate this mixed performance pattern. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, Rohit has played in seven bilateral ODI series, including the Champions Trophy. In the latest ODI series against England, he scored just 11 and 26 in the first two games but then bounced back with a fantastic 138 off 110 balls in the third ODI at Lord’s. Earlier, he shone in Sri Lanka with consecutive half-centuries, but at home against England, he followed up a century in the second ODI with two low scores in the other matches.
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However, Rohit’s track record in high-pressure games backs up De Villiers’ point. Throughout the Champions Trophy, he struggled to find his rhythm, yet he managed to deliver a crucial 76 in the final against New Zealand. He also made a strong comeback against Australia, scoring a fifty and a century in back-to-back ODIs. These performances, along with his recent hundred at Lord’s, reinforce De Villiers’ belief that Rohit’s greatest asset is his ability to perform when India needs him the most, while Kohli’s experience alongside him is equally important for another World Cup run.
