The recently-concluded three-match ODI series against Australia culminated on Saturday, October 25 with the hosts bagging it by 2-1 margin. While the Aussies bamboozled the visitors in the first two ODIs
in Perth and Adelaide respectively, the Indian cricket team put up a show in Sydney on Saturday, claiming the final match by nine wickets.
With a win in third ODI, India avoided a clean sweep, it also saw veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to their prime form. It is to be noted that the duo returned in Indian colours for the ODI series after last featuring in the ICC Champions Trophy. In the final match, while Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 121, Virat Kohli played a 74*-run knock.
If they’re available, they’ll be certainties in the squad: Gavaskar on Ro-Ko’s participation in CWC27
Seeing them return to their vintage best, former Indian cricketer and one of the legends of the game, Sunil Gavaskar dropped some bold statements around their future. With a lot of talks surrounding their participation in ODI World Cup 2027, Gavaskar backed the duo to continue playing the format and feature in the marquee tournament, which will be played in October-November 2027.
“The moment they made themselves available for this trip, it was clear they want to be there for the 2027 World Cup,” Gavaskar remarked. “And irrespective of what happens between now and then — whether they score runs or not — with the ability and experience they possess, if they’re available, they’ll be certainties in the squad,” he added while speaking with India Today.
Gavaskar further emphasised that their current form only strengthens their claim to be automatic selections for the marquee event. “With this kind of form, you can write their names straight into the World Cup squad for South Africa 2027,” he concluded. During their stay in the middle on Saturday, Virat Kohli went on to become the second highest run-scorer in ODIs, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara. He only only sits behind Sachin Tendulkar (18,426).
