'They still have plenty to offer', 'Asian Bradman' Zaheer Abbas backs Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for 2027 World Cup
Zaheer Abbas has publicly endorsed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup, arguing their experience and current form make them valuable assets. He said "They still have plenty to offer" and stressed that fitness and run-scoring should carry more weight than worries about age.
A former Pakistan captain widely known as the 'Asian Bradman', Zaheer Abbas set out his view that senior players remain central to India’s ambitions in the next World Cup cycle. Abbas highlighted both men's technical strengths and match awareness as key factors that can contribute to team success. He argued that selectors and fans should prioritise players' fitness levels and ability to produce runs over chronological age. His endorsement follows recent performances that have resumed the conversation around retention of experienced campaigners.
Abbas emphasised the value of accumulated international experience, noting how match situations often demand calm and calculated batting. He believes Kohli and Rohit possess those temperaments alongside the skill set required in 50-over cricket. The former captain framed his defence of the two batsmen around measurable contributions — fitness and scoring output — rather than focusing on how old they are.
The comment that "They still have plenty to offer" was made in the context of recent displays from the senior duo, with Rohit’s recent impressive century against England singled out by Abbas as particularly persuasive. That innings, in Abbas’s view, reinforced the argument that past achievements combined with current form make a strong case for inclusion. He suggested that performances like that century should influence selection conversations ahead of major tournaments.
Abbas’s remarks place emphasis on objective performance indicators, underscoring his belief that availability and the ability to convert starts into substantial scores should determine a player’s value. He did not suggest any specific selection moves but framed his opinion around maintaining experienced performers who continue to deliver. The comments reiterate a long-standing debate in cricket about balancing youth and experience in national squads.
Zaheer Abbas’s endorsement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma adds a prominent voice to discussions about India’s planning for the 2027 World Cup. By underscoring fitness and run-producing form as decisive factors, he has signalled support for keeping experienced, in-form players in contention as selectors prepare for the tournament.
