Former India spinner Amit Mishra has strongly backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to be part of India’s 2027 World Cup squad, saying no one in the team handles pressure better than these two stalwarts and their presence alone can intimidate opposition teams. With Rohit set to be in his 40s and Kohli in his late 30s when the tournament arrives in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, questions have been raised about whether age and lack of game time will catch up with them. But Mishra believes their experience, mental strength and ability to guide youngsters make them essential for the marquee event.

No one handles pressure like Rohit and Virat

Speaking to ANI, Mishra made a strong case for the senior duo’s inclusion based on their big-match temperament and leadership qualities. He said,

“They should be in the team. They have performed well for so many years. Wins and runs could go up and down a bit through the bilateral series cycle, but in big tournaments, you will need these big players. They know how to handle pressure; they can apply pressure to other teams as well. Nobody can handle pressure as well as they can, and nobody is better suited to teach the same to youngsters.”

Mishra, who took 156 wickets in 68 international appearances for India, also highlighted how valuable the pair would be in supporting a young captain like Shubman Gill. He explained,

“They will explain and guide youngsters and the captain about various things. They will make other players play. Even if they do not perform, their presence in the team during the tournament would be impactful.”

However, Mishra was also clear that seniority alone is not enough. He added,

“But I would say this: one should not be a senior just because of their name; they should also perform. I am not saying they will score centuries in every match, but the impact should continue to be consistent. When such players are in the team, there is always pressure on the other team, as they will know that these two can change things easily.”

Rohit and Virat in top form in 2025

Both Rohit and Virat have been in excellent ODI form throughout 2025, finishing as India’s top two run-scorers in the format. Virat made 651 runs in 13 matches at an average of 65.10, with three centuries and four fifties, including a best score of 135 against South Africa. His strike rate was over 96, showing he has not lost his ability to score quickly when needed.

Rohit was equally impressive, scoring 650 runs in 14 innings at an average of 50.00 and a strike rate of over 100. He hit two centuries and four fifties, with a best score of 121 not out. Their consistency and ability to play big innings in crucial matches have shown they still have plenty to offer in ODI cricket.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI Performance in 2025

Domestic cricket will help, not hurt

With both Rohit and Virat now playing only ODI cricket after retiring from Tests in May 2025, Mishra believes they should continue playing domestic matches to stay sharp. He dismissed the idea that they should skip domestic cricket and rely only on their experience and mental preparation.

Mishra said,

“The more you play, the better your body is and the more mentally stronger you are. If there are four matches in the league stages, they can play two and take a rest. If there are three, they can play and then rest. But they must play since they just play one format.”

He added that playing domestic cricket would keep their rhythm intact and ensure they are physically ready for the World Cup. He explained,

“Even when I was not playing regularly, I was told to play one or two domestic matches. It is important that your rhythm does not get spoiled and that your body is in the right condition. You will also get the right amount of match practice.”

Both Rohit and Virat are set to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India’s domestic 50-over competition, which begins on Wednesday. Rohit will play for Mumbai while Virat will represent Delhi. This will give them valuable match practice ahead of India’s ODI assignments leading up to the 2027 World Cup.

Virat’s “mental” approach to cricket

After scoring a brilliant 135 off 120 balls in the first ODI against South Africa earlier this year, Virat spoke about his unique approach to preparation. He said he has “never been a big believer in a lot of preparation” and that “all his cricket has been mental.” This mindset has allowed him to stay at the top for over a decade despite the physical demands of international cricket.

However, Mishra’s advice suggests that even mentally strong players benefit from regular match practice, especially as they age and the calendar offers fewer ODI matches than before. With the 2027 World Cup still over a year away, both Rohit and Virat will need to balance rest, domestic cricket and international assignments to arrive at the tournament in peak condition.