'I will take the guarantee of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma' - Mohammad Kaif backs veteran duo to play ODI World Cup 2027

Mohammad Kaif expressed his faith in Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and backed them to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. His comments come amid the growing debate over whether the two veterans should play in the marquee event or leave their spots for youngsters.

Kaif highlighted how Rohit has worked on his fitness in recent months and that his passion and temperament are evident when he bats. The former India cricketer opined that Rohit has changed his approach after relinquishing captaincy, as he doesn't go hard at every ball.

"I will take the guarantee of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Rohit is working on his fitness, he will push himself and somehow manage to play. Injury happens to everyone, even to youngsters. He has that passion, the temperament is seen in his batting. His batting as a captain and as a player is very different. The approach has changed. He is not pouncing on every ball," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kaif stuck his neck out and called India the favourites to lift the ODI World Cup next year. He said that most of the Indian players who participated in the previous edition in 2023 will be featuring in the marquee event next year. The cricketer-turned-expert added that opposition teams will have to be at their best when they take on Shubman Gill and Co.

"I feel that the playing 11 for the 2027 World Cup, it will be almost the same team that played in 2023. The majority of the players will be the same. You will have Bumrah, Kohli, Iyer, Rahul, Kuldeep, all these. So there are good chances. India will be favorites with Bumrah, Kohli, Gill, even Hardik will be back. These are big names. The opposition will have to play their best cricket against India to beat them," he stated.

Can't guarantee seeing Hardik in 2027 ODI World Cup: Kaif

India's next ODI assignment is a three-match series against England. The matches will be held in Birmingham, Cardiff, and London on July 14, 16, and 19, respectively.