Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya has firmly thrown his weight behind Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, advocating for their inclusion in the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. Addressing persistent debates surrounding the veterans’ age and longevity, the former Sri Lanka captain stressed that their unmatched experience is vital for guiding India’s next generation.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Corporate Cricket World Cup launch event in Gurugram, Jayasuriya emphasized that a title-winning side requires a fine balance between emerging talent and seasoned leaders.
Having retired from T20 Internationals following India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup, both players are now exclusive to the 50-over format. Jayasuriya’s endorsement is rooted in the unmatched World Cup track records of both batters: To test teams across different styles of the game, the competition will include 11-overs-a-side, T20 and 40-over formats, giving corporate cricketers the opportunity to compete in varied playing conditions while showcasing adaptability and all-round cricketing skills. Questions around the availability and form of Rohit and Kohli heading into the 2027 tournament – co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia – have gained traction due to their evolving international calendars.
Youngsters will learn from them, it is a good mix for future World Cups for India,” Jayasuriya told ANI. “They (Team India) have both youth and experience and are a mixed team. There are a lot of things to learn from experienced players for the youngsters. So I think that is a good thing when you have senior players in the team. With fewer ODIs played in bilateral cycles, critics have questioned whether prolonged breaks might impact match sharpness. However, Jayasuriya dismissed those concerns, pointing out that tournament pressure cannot be taught overnight – it is absorbed by sharing dressing rooms with those who have weathered high-stakes campaigns.
