New Zealand stand-in ODI captain Michael Bracewell has opened up about Team India stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s participation in the 2027 World Cup. The all-rounder said that it would be a mistake to underestimate the senior batters and backed them to feature in the next edition of the World Cup.
India will take on New Zealand in a three-match ODI series starting on Sunday, January 11, in Vadodara. The remaining matches of the series will be played on January 14 in Rajkot and January 18 in Indore. Rohit and Virat Kohli were last seen in action during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where they smashed centuries.
I’d Like to See Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Play in the World Cup – Michael Bracewell
Michael Bracewell said that it would be silly to underestimate Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODIs. He added that both are still performing at a high level and deserve to be part of the next ODI World Cup.
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“I’d like to see them (Rohit and Virat Kohli) play in the World Cup. They’re obviously still playing very good cricket so there’s no reason to stop,” Bracewell told the media on the sidelines of the New Zealand Cricket Golf Day, organised by NZC in partnership with TCM Sports here at the Willingdon Sports Club, as quoted by TOI.
“They’re both playing beautifully, so why not? Their records speak for themselves, both individually and as a team. They’ve been involved in some great Indian sides and led that side with the bat. You’d be silly to underestimate them, that’s for sure,” he added.
There Are Always Amazing Crowds Here – Michael Bracewell
Michael Bracewell will lead New Zealand in the series in the absence of several senior players. With key names missing from the squad, he will have to guide a relatively fresh group.
Bracewell said the team always enjoys touring India because of the crowds and the deep love for cricket. He added that fans continue to support good cricket from both sides, which he feels is rare in many parts of the world.
“Every time we come to India, there’s always amazing crowds here and one thing that stands out for me is just the love of cricket,” Bracewell stated.
“I find that when we’re doing well we still get supported, which is a bit of a rarity when you go to some (other) places in the world. It’s always a pleasure to come here and play cricket and test ourselves against some of the best players in the world,” he added.
You’re Always Going to Struggle to Replace Them – Michael Bracewell
Michael Bracewell admitted that missing senior players has made the tour more challenging. He stated that players of Mitchell Santner’s quality are impossible to replace like-for-like. Bracewell added that the focus is now on the rest of the squad doing their individual roles well.
“It’s a tricky one. Whenever you’re missing players of say, Mitch Santner’s calibre, you’re always going to be struggling to replace them. So, you’re asking guys to come in and do their role as best as they can,” Bracewell said.
“You’re never going to be able to replace a guy like that. But if everyone mucks in and does their bit, then hopefully we can all work together and achieve great things on this tour,” Bracewell added.
