Previously captain of the Pakistan team, Rashid Latif has made his thoughts on the future of Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma in ODI cricket, comparing them to soccer superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, in a video shared by a local media outlet. The 57-year-old said the fate for these cricket stars in the 2027 World Cup, would come down to the Indian management, but he felt that at least one of them should be in the playing XI to facilitate the team.
Seniors must be considered for World Cup selection, says Rashid Latif
Latif highlighted the challenges selectors face when picking a squad, noting that the depth of talent sometimes leaves deserving players on the sidelines. However, he emphasised that the seniors, Kohli and Rohit, should be accommodated in the World Cup squad. “There's still a whole year left, that is 2026. We'll have to see how many ODIs are scheduled and how many of those they'll play, but the seniors should definitely be there. One-day cricket is a long-format game; it's not like T20s. Even if not both, at least one of them must be part of the team,” Latif told IANS.
He further explained the complexities of team selection: “Sometimes you have players available but can't fit them into the playing XI — for example, Jaiswal isn't getting a chance, so someone else is playing in his place. Then suddenly, someone like Sai Sudharsan might perform well. KL Rahul also deserves opportunities. There are many factors to consider. But if it's not possible to have both in the playing XI, at least one should definitely be included.”
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s class on display against Australia
Latif recalled Kohli and Rohit’s match-winning innings in India’s nine-wicket win over Australia in the third ODI, where Rohit scored an unbeaten 121 and Kohli finished at 74 not out in a 237-run chase. “Both are great players — the kind who can change the course of a game. Just look at the last ODI. After such a long break, they came back; in the first two matches, they didn’t do much, but in the third, they turned the match around. Class is permanent. Ronaldo is still playing, Messi is still playing, and these two are India’s Ronaldo and Messi,” he added.
