NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future was a hot topic of discussion before the Australia ODIs, and the way both Indian legends signed off their tour has put all speculation to rest, at least for now.

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has also thrown his weight behind the star duo’s inclusion in the 2027 World Cup squad, stressing that irrespective of their form, if they are available, selectors cannot ignore. them.

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“The moment they made themselves available for this trip, it was clear they want to be there for the 2027 World Cup,” Gavaskar told India Today.

“And irrespective of what happens between now and then – whether they score runs or not – with the ability and experience they possess, if they’re available, they’ll be certainties in the squad. With this kind of form, you can write their names straight into the World Cup squad for South Africa 2027,” he added.

Gavaskar’s endorsement came in the wake of a masterclass from India’s two senior stalwarts at the SCG. Rohit capped the series with a fluent century, while Kohli, bouncing back from two earlier ducks, played a calm unbeaten 74. Together, the duo compiled an unbeaten 168-run partnership, steering India to a nine-wicket victory and averting a series whitewash.

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“Always love coming here and playing here. Fond memories of 2008. I’m not sure if we’ll be coming back to Australia, but we enjoy our cricket no matter what accolades we achieve,” Rohit said after. collecting both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.

“We started afresh in Perth – that’s how I look at things,” he added, acknowledging the challenges of touring Australia.

“You expect tough pitches and quality bowlers in Australia. Playing here is never easy. We couldn’t win the series, but there are plenty of positives. It’s a young side, and there will be a lot of learnings.

Kohli echoed the sentiment.

“You might have played international cricket for a long time, but the game teaches you something at every stage. Situations in the middle bring out the best in me. From early on, we’ve understood the situation well, that’s what we’ve always done well (as a pair).