Dinesh Lad, Rohit Sharma's childhood coach from Borivali, Mumbai, who has mentored the star since his formative days, fiercely backed Rohit and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
In a recent exclusive chat with MyKhel, Lad reflected on time's shift from 2024 to 2026, noting Rohit's transformation.
Lad dismissed critics questioning the duo's future post-Rohit's 2024 T20I retirement and Test axing. Both Virat and Rohit retired from Tests in 2025 and are currently playing in the ODIs for India. The veteran stars have also showcased their elite form in recent times.
"Everyone was saying that Rohit and Kohli are finished. But I want Rohit to play in the 2027 World Cup. Both of them will play. And they will retire only after winning the World Cup,"
he said.
Rohit was the Player of the Series in the Australia tour, while Kohli complemented it back against South Africa. In the ongoing series against New Zealand, Kohli has started brilliantly with a century to his name.
The veteran Dronacharya award-winning coach also opened up on Rohit missing out on the 2011 World Cup, which India won on home soil under MS Dhoni's captaincy. Rohit led India to the final in 2023 where they lost to Australia in the final, while in 2019, India lost in the semis.
"In his mind, he thought that he should have the World Cup in his hands. He has given a lot of attention to fitness. He is doing well with fitness. He is also batting well," the coach added.
