Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has launched a strong defence of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, taking aim at critics who are speculating about the duo's future in One-Day International cricket. The debate has intensified with the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa on the horizon.
Harbhajan's Fiery Defence of Veterans
Expressing his clear displeasure, Harbhajan Singh labelled it "unfortunate" that individuals who "haven't achieved much" in their own careers are now passing judgement on the futures of two modern-day legends. His comments come amid growing public discourse on how long the 38-year-old Rohit Sharma and the 37-year-old Virat Kohli can continue at the highest level, especially in the 50-over format.
The Core of the Speculation
The speculation stems from the fact that both Rohit and Kohli have now retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, focusing solely on ODI matches for India. With the next major 50-over tournament, the World Cup in South Africa in 2027, still over two years away, questions are being raised about their ability to maintain peak performance and secure their spots in the squad for that event.
Harbhajan's statement, reported by PTI on December 4, 2025, underscores a broader sentiment in cricket circles about respecting the legacy and ongoing contributions of senior players. He implied that the decision regarding their retirement timelines should rest with the players themselves, in consultation with the team management, rather than being a topic for endless external debate.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
This public intervention from a respected figure like Harbhajan Singh highlights the sensitive phase of transition Indian cricket is navigating. The management faces a complex balancing act:
- Honouring the experience and match-winning abilities of two of its greatest-ever batters.
- Gradually integrating younger talent to build a squad for the future.
- Managing workload and fitness for players in the latter stages of their careers.
The coming months will be crucial as the selectors and team management chart the course for the ODI team's buildup. All eyes will be on the performances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the limited ODI fixtures scheduled, which will ultimately be the most significant factor in determining their journey towards the 2027 World Cup.
