"If they are not in the team, every team will be happy" - Afghanistan star's stunning take on Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli amid IND vs SA 2025 ODIs

Afghanistan star Rahmanullah Gurbaz presented his take on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli amid the ODI series between India and South Africa. Gurbaz opened up on the stalwarts' playing the 2027 World Cup.

There has been constant chatter around their place in the Indian team for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Gurbaz hilariously reckoned that Afghanistan would have a better chance to win if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were not in the team. He added that every team would be happy if they were not there. However, he reflected that no one could tell the stalwarts not to play the World Cup.

"As an Afghanistan player, I will be happy if they are not in the team. If they are not there, we will have more chance to win. They are legends. There is no chance for someone to come and say that Virat and Rohit should not be in the team. If they are not in the team, every team will be happy. They are such big names and also very good players," he said. (via Sports Tak)

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's presence at the 2027 World Cup will depend on their form and consistent performances in the lead-up to the tournament. Both batters have been under constant scrutiny and pressure to prove themselves and audition for the mega event.

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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struck a match-winning partnership in the first ODI against South Africa

Despite all the chatter and pressure, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli came good in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi. The duo struck a match-winning partnership. Batting first, India posted a total of 349/8 on the board.

Rohit and Kohli added 136 runs off just 109 balls for the second wicket, setting the platform for the big total. Rohit scored a quickfire half-century, making 57 runs off 51 balls with five boundaries and three maximums.

On the other hand, Kohli slammed a magnificent hundred. He made 135 runs off just 120 balls with 11 fours and seven maximums. South Africa got close but were bowled out for 332 eventually, as India won the game by 17 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.