Paarl, Jan 11: Two of South Africa’s modern greats — Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher — have thrown their weight behind Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, backing the veteran duo to feature at the 2027 ODI World Cup despite advancing age and mounting scrutiny over longevity.
In recent weeks, debate has intensified over whether the ‘Ro-Ko’ combination, now exclusively playing ODIs after stepping away from T20Is and Tests, will still be a force by the time the next men’s 50-over World Cup arrives, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Rohit, who turns 40 ahead of the tournament, and Kohli, in the twilight of his 30s, have remained in exceptional touch in the format — yet concerns persist about reduced match exposure, ageing bodies and the natural decline in reflex time.
Speaking to ANI in Paarl, legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis said both players have earned the right to decide their future and deserve one last tilt at ODI cricket’s biggest prize.
“He obviously knows his body and when to call it quits,” Kallis said when asked about Kohli’s long-term plans. “Hopefully, he goes out with a bang. He certainly deserves it. Rohit is a fantastic player as well, and hopefully he also gets to finish the way he wants. They have both earned that.”
The numbers certainly support his sentiment. Last year, Kohli was India’s leading ODI run-scorer with 651 runs in 13 matches, averaging 65.10 with three hundreds and four fifties. Rohit trailed him by a single run, compiling 650 in 14 innings at an average of 50, striking at over 100 and smashing two centuries himself.
Kallis also spoke about South Africa’s own white-ball ambitions, expressing optimism about their chances of finally ending a long-running World Cup jinx. He believes the SA20 league is building depth and confidence within the squad.
“Younger guys are getting to play with older players, international coaches and in front of big crowds. It’s good for South African cricket,” he said. “We just need a little bit of luck and hopefully things fall into place.”
Meanwhile, former South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher was even more emphatic, insisting there is “no doubt” in his mind that Kohli will not only survive but thrive through to 2027.
“Virat is going to be there,” Boucher declared. “There’s nothing about his fitness at all. It is just about whether he wants to play. And I think his mind is set on coming here and playing in another World Cup.”
Boucher highlighted the vacuum created when India’s two senior-most batting figures sit out matches — particularly in Test cricket — and believes the 2027 event would be poorer without Kohli’s presence.
“India needs him,” he stressed. “When Rohit and Virat are absent, it leaves a hole. The World Cup in South Africa will be a better tournament if Kohli is involved.”(Agencies)
