The question of when to transition from cricket's legends to its future stars is a perennial dilemma for every selection committee. This debate has recently been reignited for Team India, focusing squarely on two of its biggest match-winners: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Following their impressive return to the ODI format against Australia, the spotlight is now on their viability for the 2027 World Cup. Stepping into the fray with an unambiguous opinion is former BCCI chief selector and World Cup winner, Krishnamachari Srikkanth.

The "Don't Spook Them" Message

Srikkanth has fired a powerful, plain-spoken message to the current BCCI selection panel: "Don't spook them." This warning is a direct response to the atmosphere of uncertainty created around the veteran duo, particularly after chief selector Ajit Agarkar hinted that Rohit and Kohli were not yet committed to the quadrennial mega-event.

Srikkanth's stance is not merely based on sentiment; it is rooted in recent performance and unparalleled fitness. Both Rohit, who was named Player of the Series, and Kohli, who regained his touch with a fine half-century after initial struggles, proved that they remain essential components of India’s 50-over structure. The narrative of whether to stick with the veterans or accelerate the youth transition suddenly looks far less straightforward.

Dismissing the Age Factor

A core element of Srikkanth's argument is the forceful dismissal of the "age factor," which often shadows the careers of players approaching their late 30s. By the time the 2027 World Cup arrives, both batsmen will be well into their veteran years, a fact critics are quick to point out.

However, Srikkanth argues that their sheer ability and current physical condition render such numerical concerns moot. "Don't bring the age factor. Don't say 'he is touching 40, brushing 40, reaching 40'. Stop all these," he emphatically stated. He lauded Rohit’s fitness and form, highlighting his "effortless" batting in the recent series, which he likened to the opener’s masterful run in the 2019 World Cup. For Kohli, the praise was even higher, with Srikkanth claiming the supremely fit batsman "can play until 45."

The former opener insists that form, fitness, and ability to influence a match must remain the primary benchmarks, not a player’s birth certificate.

The Value of Experience in Tournament Cricket

Rohit and Kohli have already stepped away from Tests and T20Is over the last 18 months, leaving ODIs as their sole international focus. This selective participation allows them to manage their workload and maintain peak fitness for the longer 50-over games, an advantage Srikkanth clearly recognises.

Tournament cricket, especially the World Cup, places a premium on experience and the ability to perform under extreme pressure. There are few players in the world who command the respect and fear of the opposition quite like "Ro-Ko." Srikkanth believes these two stalwarts remain "irreplaceable" and are the nucleus around which India’s title challenge must be built.

In fact, the former chief selector was so confident in their enduring value that he suggested the selectors should adopt a completely reverse approach. Instead of making them feel insecure, the message should be: "We will form the team around you. You two are very important. Please make sure you are fit enough."

Ultimately, Srikkanth’s fervent backing is a call for decisive leadership and belief. It's a plea to the BCCI to trust the quality of proven champions, seal their spots for 2027, and let them focus on what they do best: winning matches for India.
Read Also: The 'Ro-Ko' Resurgence: Rohit and Kohli Silence Critics in Dominant India Win
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