‘India needs Kohli and Rohit more than India’ – Rahul Chahar backs legendary duo to play ODI World Cup 2027 [Exclusive]

However, during the ODI series against Australia and South Africa in recent months, both Rohit and Kohli have shown that they still have the hunger within them to contribute to India’s triumph on the international stage.

While Rohit won the Player of the Series award against Australia in October, Kohli won the same award against the Proteas earlier this month. Chahar backed the strengths of Indian cricket to participate in the ODI World Cup, which is co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“I think the way they are playing, they should be playing. That’s why they are playing. Of course, they should be playing. As you can see, they are not less than anyone else. They are making runs. So we need them. India needs them, and they don’t need India,” Chahar said.

Rahul Chahar explains how cricket for different age groups compares to senior level

Chahar made his debut in domestic cricket at the age of just 16. When asked about the challenges of transitioning from age-group cricket to the senior level at such a young age, Chahar explained in detail.

“I think there are a lot of changes. As cricket is progressing, earlier people had an economy of 2-3. Now it is 4-5-6. I think cricket is progressing. People are playing everywhere, even in small towns. Everyone wants to be a cricketer. So the competition has become much more. Earlier, players used to play only the Ranji Trophy. But now one or two matches go wrong and every player gets out. So obviously, cricket has improved a lot and the competition has also increased a lot,” said Chahar.

Chahar, who has played one ODI and six T20Is for India, also shared the backstory of his selection for the Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017.

“I still remember nobody invited me for a test. My brother was there. He was in Pune. So he took me there. And he spoke to a coach. He said, he’s my brother, he bowls good leg spin. So you should see him in the test. So I still remember that story. I was bowling that day in the test. And luckily the wicket was a bit wet. So the ball was spinning there. I had bowled fifteen balls. Ten of them. I wasn’t even on the battle. At that moment it was confirmed that they were taking me. My brother came and told me that they were taking me.

Chahar will don the iconic yellow jersey during IPL 2026 after being roped in by Chennai Super Kings for INR 5.2 crore in the mini-auction earlier this week.

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