India’s legendary cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have expressed interest in playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup, but head coach Gautam Gambhir urged them to stay focused on the present. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, he emphasized the need for the team to concentrate on upcoming matches rather than future tournaments.
The shift in leadership for the ODI squad raised eyebrows when Shubman Gill was appointed as captain, signaling a transitional phase for Indian cricket. Kohli and Rohit, who will be 39 and 40 respectively by 2027, now face scrutiny over their prolonged roles in the national side.
“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,” Gambhir remarked when questioned about the duo’s future.
As anticipation builds for the ODI World Cup, analysts highlight that the final decision regarding Kohli’s and Rohit’s participation will hinge on their performances in the next nine ODIs. This includes three matches each against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand over the forthcoming months.
In his inaugural year as head coach, Gambhir has steered a comprehensive transition across formats. His focus on nurturing young talent while maintaining stability in the selection process reflects his vision for Indian cricket. When asked about the attributes he seeks in players ready for the national team, Gambhir stated, “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.”
Gambhir also noted the pressures within international cricket, describing it as an “insecure environment” due to fierce competition. “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. If you pick the right characters, give them time to prove themselves rather than chopping and changing,” he explained.
The emotional aspect of player selection remains vital for Gambhir, who expressed discontent with the term ‘dropping players’. He said, “You don’t drop players; you only select players. When someone misses out, the least a coach can do is be empathetic, not ruthless.”
Reflecting on the team’s recent tour of England, Gambhir lauded their work ethic and discipline. He remarked, “The Test squad that went to England was superb in terms of discipline and hard work. For me, that was a huge tick.”
As the cricket world eyes the future, fans anticipate how the upcoming matches will shape the fate of these star players and the Indian cricket team’s journey towards the next ODI World Cup.
