New Delhi, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Rohit Sharma believes Virat Kohli needs no reminder about the significance of a World Cup, saying their discussions ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup are focused more on match situations and strategies to help India win rather than the importance of the tournament.
Kohli is set to feature in his fifth 50-over World Cup in 2027, having represented India in the 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions. Rohit, who has shared the dressing room with Kohli for much of their international careers, said the former India captain’s experience at the highest level means he fully understands the magnitude of the tournament.
“He has been playing for so many years. Whether it’s the ’27 World Cup or the ’23 World Cup, there’s no need to explain it to him. World Cup is World Cup. And I’m pretty sure that everyone who is going to be part of the team understands the importance of a World Cup. And specially Kohli,” Rohit said in an interview with JioStar ahead of India’s second ODI against the West Indies on Wednesday.
“The one who has played the most World Cups, I think in this team, it’s him. He has played 2011, ’15, ’19, ’23. Four World Cups he has played. This will be the fifth. So obviously, he has played the most, so he knows the importance. He knows the importance of the World Cup,” he added.
Rohit said his conversations with Kohli are centred on practical aspects of the game, particularly decision-making while batting together. The two discuss when to attack, when to rotate the strike and how to manage situations that arise during an innings.
“So, this discussion does not happen. The discussion is about what we can do. When we are batting together, we are discussing about whom to attack, whom to take a single off, what to do. Sometimes something happens in my leg, so I tell him, ‘Brother, run carefully, I’m feeling something.’ So he is understanding that way. And, you know, such conversations keep happening. So it’s been pretty fun,” Rohit said.
Reflecting on their long association in the Indian team, Rohit said their individual roles and approaches on the field may have evolved over the years, but their commitment to the team’s success has remained unchanged.
“Nothing has changed from when we started to now. Obviously, we’re different individuals in terms of how we carry ourselves on the field, but other than that, goal, thinking for the team is pretty much the same: that we have to win the match. We have to win the World Cup, we have to win the tournament, we have to win the series, we have to do well for the team. Which people can we help? That is completely the same,” he said.
Rohit and Kohli have been central figures in India’s white-ball setup for years, and their shared experience is now part of the team’s preparations for the next World Cup cycle.
Rohit’s exclusive interview will be available on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network on September 30. The announcement of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup schedule is set for October 1 and will be broadcast on JioHotstar and Star Sports.
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