Zaheer believes neither age nor talk of retirement should stop Kohli and Rohit from playing.
Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, stating that their immense experience and class make them vital for India.
Zaheer believes neither age nor talk of retirement should stop them from playing as they remain among the best ODI players.
While the Pakistan legend noted that Kohli is supremely fit, he specifically advised Rohit to work on his fitness over the coming year.
“Both are very, very good in terms of skill and, given their experience, I don’t see any reason why they should not play the World Cup. Age should not be a factor as long as they are fit and continue scoring runs," Zaheer said while speaking on a Pakistani television channel.
“Kohli is still supremely fit, while Rohit just needs to pay a little more attention to his fitness," he added.
The retirement chatter surrounding Rohit Sharma intensified during the recently held England tour, with rumors incorrectly claiming the third and final ODI would serve as his farewell match as the selectors wanted to transition to younger openers like Yashasvi Jaiswal.
However, the 39-year-old emphatically silenced his critics at Lord's, smashing 138 off 110 balls and becoming the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue.
Zaheer was effusive in praise of Rohit’s knock at Lord’s. “I watched Rohit score a hundred against England, and it is still a pleasure to watch him bat. He plays so effortlessly and with such sweet timing," he remarked.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Kohli and Rohit only play a single format for India. They will be next in action during the three-match ODI series against the West Indies at home from September 27 to October 3.