India’s cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma express a strong desire to compete in the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasizes the importance of concentrating on current games rather than future prospects. This discussion emerged on Tuesday as the cricket community anticipates a major transition within the team.
With Shubman Gill recently appointed as India’s ODI captain, national selectors signal a clear shift in strategy for the 50-over format. Kohli and Rohit, currently 34 and 35 years old, are now faced with speculation regarding their long-term viability in the squad. Both players will be 39 and 40 respectively by the time the World Cup arrives.
Gambhir, when asked about their future, stated, “The 50-over World Cup is still two and a half years away. It is very important to stay in the present. Obviously, they are quality players. Their experience will be valuable in Australia. Hopefully, both can have a successful tour, and more importantly, as a team, we can have a successful series.”
Sources close to the team indicate that Kohli and Rohit’s final call for World Cup participation hinges significantly on their performances in the upcoming nine ODIs. The schedule includes three-match series against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand in the ensuing months.
In his first complete year as head coach, Gambhir steers a transition across all formats, focusing on identifying emerging talents while ensuring a stable selection process. Regarding player selection criteria, he commented, “First and foremost, you look at talent. Then the work ethic. You look at the character in that dressing room—especially in red-ball cricket. You also see how hungry they are. If a player has all these attributes, he will have a successful Test career.”
Highlighting the competitive nature of international cricket, Gambhir noted that it is an “insecure environment” due to the intense competition for limited spots. “It’s important to give players a longer run. Only 15 can represent the country at one time, but many are waiting for their turn,” he explained. Hence, he advocates for patience in nurturing players rather than frequently altering team compositions.
On addressing the emotional aspect of selection, Gambhir expressed his disdain for the term “dropping players.” He communicated, “You don’t drop players; you only select players. When someone misses out, the least a coach can do is be empathetic, not ruthless.”
Gambhir lauded the team’s discipline and hard work exhibited during the tour of England, categorizing the squad’s performance as a “huge tick” for their commitment. This focus on building a challenging yet supportive environment could play a pivotal role in the team’s future successes.
