Are Rohit and Virat India’s Ronaldo and Messi?
Synopsis
In an intriguing commentary, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif draws a parallel between Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and global football legends Ronaldo and Messi. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, Latif emphasizes the importance of these senior players in the ODI format.
Key Takeaways
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are compared to football legends, emphasizing their impact on cricket.
Inclusion in the 2027 World Cup depends on team management decisions.
Latif stresses the necessity of having at least one senior player in the squad.
Performance in crucial matches can greatly influence selection decisions.
The dynamics of team selection involve balancing talent and experience.
New Delhi, Nov 5 (NationPress) Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif expressed his views on the future of Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODI formats, referring to them as “India’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.”
The 57-year-old remarked that the decision regarding their inclusion in the 2027 World Cup lies with the Indian management, yet he believes that having either of them in the team would bolster India's chances of success.
Latif noted that the selectors and management must weigh various factors when finalizing a squad, which could lead to some talented players being overlooked due to the team's depth. Nonetheless, he stressed that both Rohit and Kohli should be considered for the World Cup, emphasizing that at least one of them should be part of the playing XI.
“There’s still a whole year left, that is 2026. We’ll have to see how many ODIs are scheduled and how many of those they’ll play, but the seniors should definitely be there. One-day cricket is a long-format game — it’s not like T20s. Even if not both, at least one of them must be part of the team. Sometimes you have players available but can’t fit them into the playing XI — for example, Jaiswal isn’t getting a chance, so someone else is playing in his place. Then suddenly, someone like Sai Sudharsan might perform well. KL Rahul also deserves opportunities. There are many factors to consider. But if it’s not possible to have both in the playing XI, at least one should definitely be included,” Latif conveyed to IANS.
Latif reminisced about their performances against Australia, where the two former skippers guided India to a nine-wicket victory in the third ODI. While Rohit scored a magnificent unbeaten century of 121 runs, Virat concluded with 74 not out, making the 237-run chase appear effortless.
“Both are exceptional players — the kind that can alter the outcome of a game. Just look at the last ODI. After such a long hiatus, they made a comeback; they didn’t perform much in the first two matches, but in the third, they flipped the match in India’s favor. Class is enduring. Ronaldo is still competing, Messi is still in the game — and these two are India’s Ronaldo and Messi,” he added.
Point of View
Rashid Latif’s insights on the careers of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli highlight the challenges and considerations faced by selectors. Their experience and skill are invaluable assets to the Indian team as they prepare for the future of ODI cricket, underscoring the importance of balancing emerging talent with seasoned players.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rashid Latif say about Rohit and Virat?
Rashid Latif compared Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, emphasizing their crucial role in the Indian ODI team, especially with the 2027 World Cup approaching.
Will Rohit and Virat play in the 2027 World Cup?
The decision regarding their participation in the 2027 World Cup will depend on the Indian management, but Latif believes at least one of them should be included in the playing XI.
What factors influence team selection for ODIs?
Selectors must consider various factors, including player performance, team balance, and the depth of talent available, which may lead to some deserving players being overlooked.
