Harbhajan Backs Kohli, Rohit to Play On Like Messi

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has weighed in on the ongoing debate around the ODI futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, arguing that fitness and form—not age—should decide whether the two veterans continue playing. With both batters now in their late thirties, questions have mounted over whether they will feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Harbhajan believes the answer should hinge purely on performance.

Messi Comparison Takes Centre Stage

Speaking in a podcast interview, Harbhajan pointed to Argentine football icon Lionel Messi as proof that experienced athletes can keep excelling well past the age when most retire. He referenced Messi’s continued brilliance for Argentina at 39 as evidence that age alone shouldn’t dictate a sportsperson’s career. Harbhajan argued that if Kohli is still outperforming much younger opponents on the field, his age becomes irrelevant to the conversation.

Praise for Kohli’s Impact on Indian Cricket

Beyond the age debate, Harbhajan credited Kohli with transforming the mindset of the Indian dressing room during his tenure as captain starting in 2014-15. He said Kohli instilled a belief that previously didn’t exist—particularly the confidence to chase down imposing totals, even as high as 400, on the final day of a match. Harbhajan also acknowledged Kohli’s role in raising fitness benchmarks across the Indian team, noting that Kohli pushed him to realise he could achieve far more physically than he had assumed.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, the debate over Kohli and Rohit’s places in the squad is likely to intensify. Harbhajan’s comments add weight to the camp arguing that current form, not a number on a birth certificate, should guide selection decisions for India’s most experienced campaigners.