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Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying the two will continue to add value to the Indian team and help it compete for the title.Now playing only ODI cricket, Rohit and Kohli had a productive series against England in July, despite India losing the three-match series 2-1.Questions have continued over whether 39-year-old Rohit and 37-year-old Kohli will be part of India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup because of their age. But both have continued to answer those doubts with their performances. Kohli scored two half-centuries in the series against England, while Rohit hit a century at Lord’s.Speaking to news agency ANI, Dhawan said both Rohit and Kohli have been serving Indian cricket for many years and remain important to the team. He added that he has known both players since they were around 16 years old.Dhawan praised Rohit for bouncing back with a century at Lord’s, saying the opener responded to a difficult phase with his bat and has been doing that throughout his career.He also praised Kohli’s fitness and consistency, saying words are never enough to describe his achievements. Dhawan said he is confident that both players will continue to make a big contribution and help India in the 2027 World Cup.“They are legends, they have performed for the country for so many years. Whether it’s Virat or Rohit, all of us have had a relationship since we were around 16 years old. They are 2-3 years younger than me. And it’s a matter of great joy that they are preparing now. Rohit recently scored a hundred at Lord’s, so he scored a wonderful century and showed how his bat talks. Well, he’s been showing it for so many years. And when a bit of a tough situation came, he replied with his bat,” Dhawan said.“And as for Virat, the more he is praised, the less it is. Keeping himself so fit, performing so well. And I’m sure that both of them will add a lot of value in the World Cup and help the team win,” Dhawan added.
