Amid retirement calls, Rohit-Kohli give pitch-perfect audition for 2027 ODI World Cup

New Delhi: As Team India ended the three-match ODI series against South Africa on a winning note, stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were successful in proving their skill sets and hunger in the 50-over format. With their prefect performances in the series, the veteran duo of Rohit and Kohli not only aided the side in the challenging series but also gave a perfect audition for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Amid growing retirement calls for the duo in the only format they play now, both the former captains were able to silence the critics by becoming the torchbearers for the Men in Blue in a format they have ruled all through. Rohit and Kohli not only proved their might in the one-day cricket but also made it loud and clear as to why they still hold a lot of importance in the team, amid growing calls for a younger team to feature across formats.

The South African ODI assignment wasn't that easy for Team India especially after coming off a series whitewash in Tests but the senior players, without much match practice, made it look very easy on back of their wealthy experience and talent as they proved to the world that they continue to be better than any youngster.

Barring Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal's performance with the bat in the second and third ODI respectively, none of the other young players in the Indian team was able to make any impact either with the bat or ball but Kohli proved to be exquisite in all three matches while Rohit made a difference in the result in the first one at Ranchi and third and final at Vizag.

Beating a formidable side like South Africa was not at all a cakewalk as it required the right intent and probably ample guts but the veteran duo managed to push the Proteas against the wall, making it look effortless. The way Rohit and Kohli batted especially in the third ODI was impeccable as both batters seemed to be in a fiery mood looking to finish off the proceedings as quickly as possible which they eventually managed to do winning the encounter in 39.5 overs.

Outplaying the South African bowlers comprising the likes of Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj was not an easy job as they are known to deliver power-packed performances for the Proteas but even they failed to control the aggression of the duo getting slammed for scores of runs. Apart from Maharaj, who turned lucky after getting Rohit for 75, none of the other bowlers could scalp even a single wicket.

Earlier in the Australia series as well, both Rohit and Kohli proved their prowess delivering a superb performance against the cricketing powerhouse and that too after a huge gap of months. Having last played the Champions Trophy final in March, Kohli and Rohit participated in the Australia series in October and the six month gap did not reflect in the way they delivered their performances. While Rohit was successful in two matches,  Kohli made a huge impact in the third ODI in Sydney with a half-century.

Amid a lot of discussion taking place regarding their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli let the bat do all the talking marching towards the showpiece event with an outstanding form. The duo has been consistently scoring runs for India in the ODI format proving that age is just a number and they are well fit for the marquee event.

While they might not be in the scheme of things for the massive event in the mind of the Indian cricket board but a fabulous performance in back-to-back ODI series' answers a lot of questions and outs their case in front of the selections committee as to why they won't be picked for the 50-over spectacle.

With a lot of time still remaining for the World Cup, the pair will be aiming to continue their brilliant run in the format leaving the Indian cricket board with no choice left but to include them for the multi-nation event. Both Rohit and Kohli would next be seen in ODIs against New Zealand at home from January 11.