Virat Kohli's World Cup Future Backed by Jonty Rhodes

Virat Kohli's place in India's 2027 ODI World Cup squad is being strongly advocated by South African legend Jonty Rhodes, who has highlighted the veteran batter's experience and current form. The debate over the futures of Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma is set to be a key topic at a BCCI review meeting in Mumbai this week.

Why is Jonty Rhodes backing Virat Kohli for the 2027 World Cup?

In a recent interview, Jonty Rhodes argued that experience in high-pressure tournaments is a major asset that selectors must consider. He specifically pointed to the value of having players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rhodes, who played in four World Cups himself, stressed the mental demands of the tournament, suggesting seasoned campaigners can handle the stress better. Kohli's recent performances support his case. The 38-year-old has scored 384 runs from six ODI matches this year at an impressive average of 64, including one century and three fifties. He is also on the verge of becoming only the second batter in history to reach 15,000 ODI runs.

How does Kohli's early career compare to Sachin Tendulkar's?

A fresh statistical comparison has emerged between Kohli and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, focusing on their first five years in ODI cricket. The contrast is stark. Tendulkar, who made his ODI debut in 1989, did not score a century in his first five years, finally reaching three figures in his 76th innings. Virat Kohli's start was dramatically different. In the equivalent period at the start of his career, Kohli hammered 13 ODI hundreds. This fact adds a new layer to the endless debate about their respective legacies, a discussion recently fueled by comments from Kohli's former teammate AB de Villiers.

What did AB de Villiers say about Kohli versus Tendulkar?

AB de Villiers, who shared a famous partnership with Kohli at Royal Challengers Bangalore, offered a bold assessment. He stated that Virat Kohli was even better than Sachin Tendulkar in certain aspects, particularly in raising the bar for Indian batsmen in overseas conditions. While de Villiers' view is subjective, it shows the high regard in which Kohli's all-format dominance, especially outside India, is held by his peers. This opinion adds to the ongoing analysis of where Kohli stands among the all-time greats.

How is Kohli influencing the next generation of cricketers?

Kohli's influence extends beyond men's cricket and into the women's game. On September 3, 2026, India's star opener Smriti Mandhana was spotted wearing Kohli's signature One8 cricket shoes during her half-century against Hong Kong in the Women's T20 Asia Cup. Mandhana, who also shares Kohli's jersey number 18, wore the 'One8 Cover Drive 18 X' model. This visible endorsement during a live match shows how Kohli's brand and style have become aspirational for current players, symbolizing a connection between different eras and formats of Indian cricket.

• Key Takeaways:
• Jonty Rhodes believes Virat Kohli's World Cup experience is vital for India's 2027 campaign.
• Kohli has scored 384 runs at an average of 64 in ODIs this year, nearing 15,000 career runs.
• He scored 13 ODI centuries in his first five years, while Sachin Tendulkar scored none in the same period.
• Kohli's brand influence was seen as Smriti Mandhana wore his One8 shoes in a match on September 3.