2027 World Cup Hopes
Suresh Raina Backs Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for 2027 World Cup
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Key Points
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Raina’s comments followed former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh’s call for a settled ODI squad, with Yuvraj urging team management to avoid major changes and give the same group sufficient playing time before the World Cup.
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Raina specifically linked India’s motivation to the 2003 World Cup final defeat by Australia in South Africa, saying, “Especially when we lost in South Africa in 2003, we have to take revenge for that as well.”
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One report said the 2027 tournament is scheduled to be held across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia between October and November, adding Namibia to the locations mentioned in other accounts.
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The BCCI had included Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in a 15-member squad for a three-match ODI series against the West Indies, beginning September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram and continuing in Guwahati and Chandigarh.
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Raina also praised young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, saying he should be allowed to play his natural game and that his scoring and on-field thought process were “completely different.”
Former India batter Suresh Raina is backing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to lead India to the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying the team would have a 90 percent chance of winning if the two veterans stay in the squad. Livemint reported Raina's comments, citing their experience, leadership, and proven record of winning major titles for India and in the IPL.
Rohit and Kohli have retired from Test and T20 international cricket but remain available for ODI play. The 2027 World Cup will be held across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia between October and November, Karnatakalive reported.
Raina Endorses Squad Continuity for 2027
Raina's backing aligns with calls from former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh for a settled ODI squad. ANI News reported that Yuvraj urged team management to avoid major changes and give the same playing group enough time together before the World Cup. Continuity in team composition, both veterans argue, builds chemistry and match-winning experience.
Redemption From 2003 South Africa Loss
Raina specifically invoked India's painful 2003 World Cup final defeat by Australia in South Africa as motivation. "Especially when we lost in South Africa in 2003, we have to take revenge for that as well," Kashmir Newsline quoted Raina as saying. The 2027 tournament, to be hosted partly in South Africa again, offers India a chance to rewrite that history.
Praise for Young Talent and Women's Cricket
Beyond the veterans, Raina praised young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, saying he should play his natural game. RevSportz noted Raina said Suryavanshi's scoring and on-field decision-making were "completely different" and showed genuine promise. Meanwhile, Raina also congratulated India's women's team on winning the Asian Games gold medal, highlighting their consistency, fitness, and professional approach.
Rohit and Kohli in West Indies Series
The BCCI has already signaled confidence in both veterans by including them in the 15-member squad for a three-match ODI series against the West Indies. Karnatakalive reported the series begins September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, with matches in Guwahati and Chandigarh to follow. This selection reinforces that Rohit and Kohli remain central to India's ODI plans.
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