- Two of the most decorated cricketers in the last one-and-a-half decades must be none other than the talismanic Virat Kohli and the hitman Rohit Sharma, among many others worldwide. Mind you, these two world-class performers have not only distinguished themselves through sheer dint of consistent performances in challenging conditions around the world, but also have exhibited enough verve, grit, determination, and steely resolve to overcome mounting challenges posed from time to time. Virat and Rohit have been match-winners for Team India across formats during their prime. Their contributions to the team’s cause need no further elaboration, as the astounding statistics speak volumes about their emulation-worthy achievements.
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- As we know, both batters have also led the team with distinction, carving out spectacular results that have immensely contributed to establishing India’s cause in the cricketing world beyond doubt. Of course, both have retired from the demands of playing in all formats of the game, restricting themselves to showcasing their undiminished talent in 50-overs alone. While the Tests and the fast-paced T20 are missing, their presence in the 50-over white-ball format keeps cricket enthusiasts interested. Mind you, both stalwarts have still not called it a day and have enough in their tanks to play for another couple of years at least. Also, the IPL has seen them contribute handsomely while playing with and against cricketers half their age.
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- The advent of the ultra-format of the game, T20, meant that cricket fans following the bang-bang variety have transcended stratospheric limits in terms of popularity. However, the interest towards the 50-over game, especially the World Cup, hasn’t reduced one bit either. The World Cup is still considered one of the most coveted events in the cricket world. Winning a World Cup entails a solid combination of experienced players who have proven beyond doubt their credentials but also interspersed with promising youngsters who would be guided by the established performers during challenging situations. The recently concluded 50-over three-match series against England offered the selectors and team management the opportunity to decide how they would go about in the format, keeping the future assignments in mind.
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- Remember, the 50-over World Cup is scheduled in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027. The challenging conditions on offer would mean that the combination selected for the quadrennial tournament must be covering all the bases to deliver the goods and go the distance. Here, the continuation of Virat and Rohit assumes paramount importance simply because of the wealth of experience these two superstars provide to the team’s cause. Virat’s fitness and form have been exemplary. Rohit was under the scanner for not exactly setting the field on fire. Thankfully, a superb century in the last one-dayer shut the doubters for the time being. Both must be told they will be part of the World Cup in 2027 and start building the team for the spectacular event.
