Former India all-rounder Robin Singh has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to be 'big assets' for the Indian cricket team at the ODI World Cup 2027, to be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Singh, speaking in an exclusive interview, pointed to the duo's sustained form and fitness as the primary reasons they remain central to India's World Cup planning.

Form and Fitness Making the Case

Both veterans have been in strong ODI form heading into the tournament cycle. Rohit Sharma has scored two centuries and a 92 in his last five innings, while Virat Kohli has registered one hundred and two fifty-plus scores — 74 and 65 — in his most recent five outings. With the World Cup less than a year away, both appear firmly in contention for selection.

Singh emphasised that experience, while valuable, is secondary to form at this stage. 'I think experience is one thing. But more importantly, I think it's their form that is important. And of course, with age you have enough and more experience. So that's really not a problem. They know what to do,' Singh said.

On their fitness, Singh added: 'It's more about staying in the moment, staying fit and keeping playing well. I think they are doing that exceptionally well. So there are no complaints. They definitely will be a big asset to the Indian team.'

Gambhir's World Cup Strategy Taking Shape

India have been using the recent ODI series against the West Indies to trial combinations as head coach Gautam Gambhir maps out his preferred playing XI for the global showpiece. Singh noted that Gambhir has a clear framework in place and is selecting squads around that World Cup vision.

'Look, I think they are trying out as many players as possible. They do have their formula in place. So I am pretty sure Gautam and his team members will have their formula,' Singh said. 'I am sure he has a way of what he would like to do in the World Cup — what type of players he wants. So I am pretty sure they will try and pick people around that strategy to give them enough opportunities to perform,' added Singh, who has represented India in 136 ODIs and one Test.

Bhuvneshwar, Shami and the Seam-Bowling Question

The return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to India's T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour has triggered wider speculation about whether he and fast bowler Mohammed Shami could feature at the World Cup, especially given the seam-friendly conditions across the three host nations.

Singh, who has also coached the Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians in the IPL, believes both should play if they remain part of the team management's calculations. 'Again, it depends on what they want. So if they are in the mix, they should be playing. I don't see any surprises happening. But if they are not in the mix, then it becomes difficult,' he said.

Singh was effusive in his praise for both seamers, stressing they have done enough domestically to justify a recall. 'I think these two are excellent bowlers irrespective of their age. I saw Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowling in T20 last year. They played a lot of domestic cricket as well. And they have actually done enough to give themselves a chance to get back into the side. Both are really good bowlers, excellent bowlers,' he said. Notably, Bhuvneshwar has already earned his T20I recall while Shami remains out of the current setup.

What to Watch Before the World Cup

With the ODI World Cup 2027 scheduled for South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia — conditions traditionally suited to pace and movement — India's selection calls over the next several months will be closely scrutinised. How the team management balances proven experience with fresh talent in upcoming bilateral series will signal just how close Gambhir's preferred XI is to being finalised.