Former India all-rounder Robin Singh believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be major assets for the Indian team at the 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. With preparations for the tournament gathering pace, Singh has highlighted the importance of the two experienced batters, pointing to their recent performances, fitness and understanding of the demands of international cricket. Both players have continued to deliver notable contributions in recent one-day internationals, strengthening expectations surrounding their potential involvement in India's campaign. Rohit and Kohli have produced encouraging performances in their recent ODI outings. Rohit scored two centuries and a 92 in his last five innings, while Kohli registered a century and two half-centuries, scoring 74 and 65 in separate innings.

Their recent returns have reinforced their value to the Indian batting line-up as the team works towards building a competitive combination for the global tournament. However, their eventual selection will depend on form, fitness, team requirements and the decisions of the selectors and coaching staff closer to the competition. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Singh said experience remained an advantage but stressed that current form was equally important when assessing the two former India captains. He noted that both batters understood what was required to perform at the highest level and had accumulated considerable international experience over their careers. “I think experience is one thing. But more importantly, I think it's their form that is important,” Singh said.

He added that age had brought the players valuable experience and that their understanding of the game was not a concern. Singh also praised Rohit and Kohli for maintaining their fitness and continuing to perform consistently. According to the former India cricketer, their ability to remain focused on the present and sustain their form would be important as the World Cup approaches. “It's more about staying in the moment, staying fit and continuing to play well,” he said, adding that the two batters were doing this exceptionally well. Singh described them as definite assets for the Indian team, emphasising the value of having experienced players capable of handling the pressure associated with a major international tournament. India have also been testing different players in recent ODI series against the West Indies as part of their preparations for the 2027 World Cup.

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The experimentation is aimed at assessing available options and identifying a balanced combination capable of meeting the demands of the tournament. Singh said head coach Gautam Gambhir and his support staff would likely make selections according to a clearly defined strategy. He expressed confidence that the coaching group understood the type of players required and would provide suitable opportunities to those competing for places in the squad. Singh explained that the team management would need to evaluate players against its broader plans, giving them enough opportunities to demonstrate their abilities before finalising the squad. “I am pretty sure they will try to pick players around that strategy, give them enough opportunities to perform and ensure they have the ability to select the best team before the World Cup,” he told IANS.

Singh, who represented India in 136 ODIs and one Test, brings experience from his own international career to his assessment of the team's preparation process. Meanwhile, India's bowling options have also attracted attention ahead of the tournament. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recall to the T20I side for the upcoming tour of New Zealand has prompted speculation about whether he could re-enter wider discussions surrounding India's future plans. Mohammed Shami is another experienced fast bowler whose prospects may be assessed as the team evaluates its resources. With the 2027 World Cup scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, conditions and the requirements of individual venues could influence bowling selections. Ultimately, India's final combination will depend on performances, fitness, tactical considerations and the selectors' assessment as the tournament approaches.

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