"We experts should keep aside talks of 2027 World Cup" - Former Indian star's huge claim on Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli amid IND vs SA 2025 ODI series

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a massive claim on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's future after their impressive batting display in the opening ODI between India and South Africa in Ranchi. Pathan opined that experts should stop pondering about their chances of playing in the 2027 World Cup and let them enjoy their game.

With the two prolific run-getters only active in the 50-over format in the international arena, fans and pundits have been wondering whether they will feature in the 2027 World Cup. As things stand, Rohit and Kohli have kept themselves in the frame to play the mega tournament, scoring 57 and 135, respectively, in the first ODI against South Africa on Sunday, November 30.

Reflecting on India's 17-run victory, Pathan noted that Kohli appears to be in a good place and the energy he brings is vital to the team. He said in the recent video on his YouTube channel 'Irfan Pathan':

"The way Rohit and Kohli are playing, we experts should keep aside talks of 2027 World Cup. Just let them enjoy how much ever cricket they are playing. I want them to play as much as they can, even outside of international cricket. The energy they bring, especially Kohli. He doesn’t stay in India, but even then, performing regularly in international cricket is not at all easy. It only shows where his mindset is. It is in a very strong place."

Both Rohit and Kohli played some stunning shots during the series-opener, stitching a 136-run stand. After Rohit perished for 57, Kohli took charge of the innings, bringing up his 52nd ODI hundred. The 37-year-old's 120-ball 135 headlined the home side's match-winning total of 349/8 in 50 overs.

"His breezy innings was amazing to watch" - Irfan Pathan on Team India star's cameo against South Africa

In the same video, Pathan hailed Ravindra Jadeja's 20-ball 32 in the first ODI against South Africa, opining that he justified his selection ahead of Axar Patel. He said:

"The positions that Ravindra Jadeja gets to bat in are also important now due to Axar Patel also waiting in the wings. His breezy innings was amazing to watch and he ensured to justify the opportunity given. So that they have got not one but two left-arm spinners in the scheme of things. You never know what happens in the future."

With Team India going 1-0 up, they will look to sew the three-match series in the second ODI on Wednesday, December 3, in Raipur.