‘India needs Kohli, Rohit more than they need India’ - Rahul Chahar backs legendary duo to play 2027 ODI World Cup [Exclusive]

During an exclusive interview with CricTracker, Indian leg-spinner Rahul Chahar shared his views on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027. There have been speculations

regarding the legendary duo's future in the 50-over format after they abruptly announced their Test retirements earlier this year, before the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

However, during the ODI series against Australia and South Africa in recent months, both Rohit and Kohli have shown that they still have the hunger in them to contribute to India's triumph on the international stage.

While Rohit won the Player of the Series award against Australia in October, Kohli won the same award earlier this month against the Proteas. Chahar backed the stalwarts of Indian cricket to play the ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

"I think the way they are playing, they should play. That's why they are playing. They should play, obviously. As you can see, they are no less than anyone else. They make runs. So, we need them. India needs them, and they don't need India," Chahar said.

Rahul Chahar explains how different age-group cricket is compared to senior level

Chahar made his debut in domestic cricket at the age of just 16. When asked about the challenges of transitioning from age-group cricket to the senior level at such a young age, Chahar explained elaborately.

"I think there are a lot of changes. As cricket is moving forward, in the earlier days, people used to have an economy of 2-3. Now, it's 4-5-6. I think cricket is moving forward. People are playing everywhere, even in small cities. Everyone wants to become a cricketer. So, the competition has increased a lot. Earlier, it used to be that players used to play only the Ranji Trophy. But now, one or two matches go wrong, and any player gets out. So, obviously, cricket has improved a lot. And the competition has also increased a lot," Chahar mentioned.

Chahar, who has played one ODI and six T20Is for India, also shared the backstory of his selection for the Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017.

"I still remember that no one was inviting me for a trial. My brother was there. He was in Pune. So, he took me there. And he spoke to a coach. He said, he is my brother, he bowls good leg spin. So, you should see him at the trial. So, I still remember that story. I was bowling at the trial that day. And luckily, the wicket was a little wet. So, the ball was spinning there. I had bowled 15 balls. 10 of them were not even on the bat. At that time, it was confirmed that they were taking me. My brother came and told me that they are taking me. So, it was confirmed. So, that's the memory I remember," he added.

Chahar will be donning the iconic yellow jersey in IPL 2026 after being roped in by the Chennai Super Kings for INR 5.2 crore at the mini-auction earlier this week.