De Villiers Backs Rohit Sharma’s Role In 2027 World Cup

Rohit’s Form Under The Scanner

Rohit endured a slow start to the ODI series against England, managing modest scores of 11 and 26 in the opening two games. He responded with a strong 138 off 110 balls in the third ODI at Lord’s, though India fell short while chasing 388 and lost by 27 runs. Kohli’s 74 in the same innings kept India’s chase alive for a long stretch before the target proved too steep.

De Villiers acknowledged that Rohit has rarely been a picture of consistency over long stretches of his career, but stressed that his ability to deliver in high-pressure, high-stakes matches is what makes him indispensable heading into a major tournament.

Why Experience Matters For India

According to de Villiers, the value senior campaigners bring during marquee events like the World Cup cannot be manufactured or bought — it comes only through years of exposure to pressure situations. He noted that World Cup cricket carries a different intensity compared to routine bilateral series, with unfamiliar opposition and heightened expectations at every turn, making seasoned campaigners crucial to a team’s success.

Rohit has already retired from T20Is and Test cricket, narrowing his focus entirely to ODIs, with the 2027 World Cup standing as his primary target. De Villiers’ comments suggest that despite recent inconsistency, Rohit’s experience will remain a key asset for India as they build toward the tournament.