Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma challenged by Michael Bracewell to play in the 2027 World Cup
New Zealand stand-in ODI captain Michael Bracewell has spoken about team India stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s participation in the 2027 World Cup. The all-rounder said it would be a mistake to underestimate the senior batters and backed them to participate in the next edition of the World Cup.
India will face New Zealand in a three-match ODI series starting on Sunday, January 11 in Vadodara. The remaining matches of the series will be played on January 14 in Rajkot and January 18 in Indore. Rohit and Virat Kohli were last seen in action during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where they smashed centuries.
I would like to see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play in the World Cup – Michael Bracewell
Michael Bracewell said it would be foolish to underestimate Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODIs. He added that both of them are still performing at a high level and deserve to be part of the upcoming ODI World Cup.
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“I would love to see them (Rohit and Virat Kohli) play in the World Cup. They are obviously still playing very good cricket, so there is no reason to stop,” Bracewell told the media on the sidelines of the New Zealand Cricket Golf Day, organized by NZC in partnership with TCM Sports here at the Willingdon Sports Club, as quoted by TOI.
“They are both playing wonderfully, so why not? Their results speak for themselves, both individually and as a team. They have been involved in great Indian teams and have led that team with the bat. It would be foolish to underestimate them, that’s for sure,” he added.
There are always amazing crowds here – Michael Bracewell
Michael Bracewell will lead New Zealand in the series in the absence of several senior players. With no key names in the squad, he will have to lead a relatively fresh squad.
Bracewell said the team always enjoys visiting India because of the crowds and their deep love for cricket. He added that fans continue to support good cricket from both sides, which he said is rare in many parts of the world.
“Every time we come to India there are always incredible crowds here and one thing that strikes me is just the love of cricket,” Bracewell said.
“I find that when we do well we always get support, which is a bit rare when you go to other places in the world. It’s always a pleasure to come here and play cricket and compete against some of the best players in the world,” he added.
You will always have trouble replacing them – Michael Bracewell
Michael Bracewell admitted the absence of senior players had made the tour more difficult. He said players of Mitchell Santner’s quality are impossible to replace like for like. Bracewell added that the focus now is on the rest of the team fulfilling their individual roles well.
“It’s a tricky question. Any time you’re missing players of the caliber of Mitch Santner, for example, you’re always going to have a hard time replacing them. So you’re asking guys to come in and play their role as best they can,” Bracewell said.
“You can never replace a guy like that. But if everyone pitches in and does their part, then hopefully we can all work together and achieve great things on this tour,” Bracewell added.
