Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth believes the legendary duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must be in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad for Team India to have a chance of winning the trophy. Srikkanth's remarks came after the pair lit up Ranchi with their sensational batting displays in the opening ODI against South Africa.While Kohli scored an incredible 52nd ODI century with his 120-ball 135, Rohit helped himself to a well-paced 57 off 51 deliveries. The duo added 136 for the second wicket, propelling the hosts to a formidable 349/8 in their 50 overs.Talking about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after the game on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said (8:13):"They've worked very hard, it's not just the runs. They are playing only one format. So it's not easy to keep your mindset in order playing only the ODI format. They've both sealed their place for the 2027 World Cup. We can't do anything without them."He added:"Both batted at a different level. Without these two, India stand no chance in the 2027 ODI World Cup. You need both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, there can't be questions asked at all about them. Kohli told in 2013 itself how the opposition is done when these two score together. That was a very valid point made by Kohli."Kohli and Rohit's efforts ensured India won the series opener by 17 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three affair."He played in the tenth gear from 100 to 135" - Kris Srikkanth on Virat KohliKris Srikkanth reserved special praise for Virat Kohli, mentioning his tempo shift after reaching his century in the opening South African ODI. The 37-year-old scaled three figures off 102 deliveries but took off after that, scoring his next 35 runs off only 18 balls."The turning point of Virat Kohli's knock was after his century. He played in the tenth gear from 100 to 135. That was the reason why we reached 350. Else, we might have only got to 320-325 and lost the game. That last spurt and acceleration by Kohli was key for India," said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).The former opener concluded:"How is he playing this well? He is constantly running also in one side. I thought Adelaide was his favorite ground, but it looks like Ranchi is it. It's Dhoni's place as well. Kohli is saying Dhoni's hometown is his favorite hunting ground."Despite playing only the ODI format, Kohli continues to impress, with 74* and 135 in his last two international outings.