Watch: “Put country…”- Munaf Patel reacts to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s commitment to India

Both the former captains of the Indian cricket team, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, retired from the T20Is together after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 at Barbados, beating South Africa in the final. Kohli announced his end from the longest format last year, as Rohit made the same announcement a few weeks later. 

Both these veterans are now only focused on the ODI format and hope to be part of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. They have scored runs in the last few series and look to be in a different shape to remain fit for the tournament.

Munaf Patel praises Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s India-first approach

The former Indian pacer, Munaf Patel, who won the ODI World Cup 2011 with Virat Kohli, has made a massive comment on this duo. He reckoned that both these veterans have always kept India first in their approach for any series.

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“It’s a priority at the end. You want to give your country priority. And it’s as simple as that. Virat Kohli has always prioritized his country. Rohit has always kept his country over anything in life.” Patel said in an interview with TOI Sports.

“There were so many other games that I could take, but the level of priority they show is on another level. They might leave the IPL if needed, but they will never leave the Indian team. That’s something you will always see.” The former pacer addressed.

Over the years, despite playing all three formats, apart from the two months of IPL, Kohli has maintained his fitness. He has played all around the world with the most travel, and that comes only if someone has the desire to be part of the international side.

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The same story goes with Rohit, who came to the Test side quite late. But he always had the wish to feature in the longest format. And for that, there was a lot of hard work behind it.

Will Rohit and Kohli play ODI World Cup 2027?

Kohli is India’s second-leading run-getter in the 50-over format. He has smashed 14797 runs in 299 innings at an average of 58.71 and a strike rate of 93.82 with the help of 77 half-centuries and 54 centuries. Rohit Sharma is third on the list with 11577 runs at 48.84, thanks to 33 centuries and 61 fifties.

In the recent home series against New Zealand, Kohli finished with 240 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 105.26, following his two centuries and one fifty against South Africa at the end of last year. India will need the experience of this duo at the top order in the World Cup.

Moreover, their presence will be key for Shubman Gill, their captain, in crunch situations as he is quite new in this position.