Raina backs Rohit and Kohli for 2027 World Cup

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for India’s squad at the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying their inclusion would give the team a 90 percent chance of winning the tournament. Raina made the estimate in New Delhi on September 22, though he did not provide a methodology or comparison to support the figure. Raina pointed to the pair’s experience and record, saying he had played many matches with them. The tournament is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, according to one report; another account referred to South Africa and Zimbabwe. The supplied accounts do not resolve that difference in the stated host locations. Rinku Singh has also urged selectors to include the two senior players. In remarks attributed to him, the India batter said he and many others hoped Rohit and Kohli would play in the tournament and be part of a team that wins it. India last won the ODI World Cup in 2011, he noted, adding that the pair’s participation could make the campaign especially meaningful. Neither player’s selection for the 2027 squad has been confirmed.