Rajkumar Sharma backs Virat Kohli for 2027 World Cup, says his place ‘should not be a discussion’

Virat Kohli’s place in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup continues to attract debate, but his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma believes there is little reason to question the veteran batter’s position.

Kohli has been in excellent form in ODIs since the 2025 Champions Trophy. He has scored 760 runs in 12 matches at an average of 76, including three centuries and five fifties. For Rajkumar, those numbers and Kohli’s performances on the field already provide a clear answer about his future.

“I think you should see for yourself what he’s doing, what he has done in the last few matches, and how he is doing it on the field. So I think it should not be a discussion even,” Rajkumar told India Today.

Rajkumar Sharma backs Rohit Sharma as well

Rajkumar also backed former India captain Rohit Sharma, who continues to face questions over his ODI future at the age of 39. Rohit, however, has also produced strong numbers since the 2025 Champions Trophy, scoring 727 runs in 15 matches at an average of 51.92, including two centuries.

The former India captain's ability to change games remains one of his biggest strengths, according to Rajkumar.

“I mean, as a player, I think he’s a tremendous player. Undoubtedly, he’s a match-winner. On his given day, he’s a match-winner.”

Rohit’s century at Lord’s in July had briefly eased the speculation surrounding his future. However, questions resurfaced ahead of the BCCI’s September review meeting, with secretary Devajit Saikia stating that the veteran batter was still performing well and remained in the selectors’ plans.

While Rohit’s future continues to be discussed, Rajkumar feels Kohli’s performances should leave little room for debate. Having worked with the former India captain since his teenage years, the coach has closely witnessed his development from a promising youngster into a global cricketing star.

“He had tremendous confidence in his own ability, and he works really hard. He’s got tremendous work ethics,” Rajkumar said.

Rajkumar also believes Kohli’s natural ability, combined with his exceptional work ethic, played a major role in his rise to the top.

“Yeah, he was a God-gifted guy. I mean, God has made him for cricket and the work ethics he had were simply brilliant, and that is why he became such a big player.”

The coach further highlighted Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket beyond his performances with the bat, particularly his influence on fitness standards among cricketers.

“He has given the fitness mantra not only to the cricketers, but to the whole country. So he has contributed a lot for Indian cricket, and I’m really proud of him.”

Rajkumar Sharma recalls Kohli’s early days

Rajkumar’s association with Kohli goes back more than two decades, to the time when the youngster first joined his club. The coach recalled how special it was to watch Kohli eventually take over as India captain.

“We talk among ourselves also. When he became the captain, he said he never thought of it, that we’ll be there. So, I mean, it is a nostalgic moment. We always remember those.”

Kohli and Rohit will next have an opportunity to strengthen their case when India take on the West Indies in a three-match ODI series, beginning September 27. With the 2027 World Cup still some distance away, both veterans will have several more opportunities to prove their value in the 50-over format.

India are also scheduled to tour New Zealand for five ODIs between November 4 and 15, before Sri Lanka visit for a three-match ODI series in December. The upcoming fixtures could therefore play an important role in shaping the debate around Kohli and Rohit’s places in India’s 2027 World Cup plans.