NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes it is “unfortunate” that the future of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli is being shaped by people “who have not achieved much,” even as he expects the iconic duo to push through till the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The 38 year old Rohit and 37 year old Kohli currently feature only in ODIs, which has led to ongoing speculation over whether they will continue till the next World Cup in South Africa, especially with the format reducing in prominence worldwide.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir and selection chief Ajit Agarkar have offered no clarity so far, though both Rohit and Kohli have hinted that they intend to compete for their spots.

Harbhajan, now part of the expert panel at DP World ILT20 Season 4, said in Dubai that the situation mirrors what several senior players have faced in the past.

"It is beyond our understanding. I may not be able to answer because I have been a player myself and what I have seen has happened to me as well. It has happened to many of my teammates but it is very unfortunate. We don't talk about it or have a discussion about it," he said.

"I am so happy when I see a player like Virat Kohli who is still going strong. It is a bit unfortunate that those people are deciding about their future who have not achieved much," India’s fourth highest wicket taker in Tests added.

Harbhajan remains confident that both Rohit and Kohli will be in commanding form during the 2027 showpiece, setting high standards for the next generation. Kohli has hit consecutive hundreds against South Africa, while Rohit has rediscovered his fluency with two fifties and a century in his last four knocks.

"They have always scored runs and have always been great players for India, they have done extremely well as batters and are leaders of the team. I'm so happy for them, they are going very, very strong.

"Not just going strong but setting the example for the younger generation to follow and what it takes to be a champion. So, well done Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for setting the right example," he said.

Play on good tracks at home

India’s recent struggles in home Tests have raised questions, especially after the 0-2 defeat to South Africa which marked their first home series loss to the Proteas in 25 years.

Harbhajan believes the core issue lies in pitch quality.

"They have to start playing on good tracks. We don't give much chance to our batsmen to make runs. If we tour abroad our batsmen have a chance to make runs because the pitch is good for batting. The bowlers have to work hard.

"That is why I think it is high time that the pitches that have been made in the last 10-12 years are very bowler-friendly especially spinner-friendly. Spinners bowl with the new ball. I think somewhere we need to change that trend.

"I feel it is not the right kind of thing to do. Our team is so solid and we have played well in England. We will win even if we play for five days. Why are you looking to play two and half days of Test cricket?" he said.

Reflecting on the Guwahati Test, which lasted the full five days, he added that India are no longer accustomed to such conditions.

"We saw in Guwahati that the pitch was very good but there we didn't play well on that pitch because we are not used to playing for five days in Test cricket."

Harbhajan said the modern generation lacks the patience required for longer formats, largely due to T20’s influence, and pitches like the one used in Kolkata only worsen the problem.

"...barring two or three of them, the others don't really have that much patience anymore. If we will continue to play on such tracks...it is no more interesting for anyone."

He also stressed that India cannot produce a top class spinner on surfaces that excessively favour turn.

"We have done a lot of bowling, we understand a little bit of cricket which we have learnt in 20 years. I feel it's high time we start playing on good tracks in India, simple as that."

ILT20 and regional cricket growth

Turning to ILT20, Harbhajan credited the UAE Cricket Board for widening cricket’s reach across the Gulf.

"This year is even better because some of the players are from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The UAE Cricket Board has done a great job. Not only UAE players but players from other neighbouring countries also come here to play.

"They get a chance to play with big players. It's a great opportunity for them," he concluded.

(With PTI Inputs)