India’s star cricketers, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have expressed a keen interest in participating in the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir stressed the need to focus on the current phase of their careers during a press conference on Tuesday.
The national selectors signaled a major transition in the Indian team by appointing Shubman Gill as ODI captain. Both Kohli and Rohit will age 39 and 40, respectively, by the time of the 2027 World Cup, raising questions about their roles in the evolving squad.
“The 50-over World Cup is still two and a half years away. It is essential to stay in the present,” Gambhir remarked when addressing inquiries about the future of the veteran players. “They are quality players, and their experience will be invaluable in Australia. Hopefully, both can enjoy a successful tour, and collectively, the team can perform well in the upcoming series.”
Cricket insiders reveal that the participation of Kohli and Rohit in the World Cup will significantly depend on their performances in the next nine ODIs. India will face Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand in this series over the next few months.
As he enters his first full year as head coach, Gambhir is keen to identify new talent and create a robust selection process across all formats. His priority remains developing players who can contribute effectively to the national team for years to come.
When discussing player attributes, Gambhir noted, “First and foremost, you look at talent. Then the work ethic. You examine the character in that dressing room, especially in red-ball cricket. It’s crucial to assess how hungry they are. A player possessing these traits is likely to have a successful career.”
Gambhir acknowledged the high-stakes nature of international cricket, calling it an “insecure environment” due to the fierce competition for a limited number of spots.
“It’s vital to provide players with a longer run. Only 15 can represent India at once, yet many are eagerly waiting for their chance. Therefore, if you choose the right characters, you must allow them time to prove their worth instead of making frequent changes,” he explained.
On an emotional note regarding player selection, Gambhir shared his discontent with the term “dropping players.” “You don’t drop players; you only select players. When someone misses out, showing empathy as a coach should be a priority, not ruthlessness,” he added.
Reflecting on the team’s efforts, Gambhir praised the squad’s discipline and work ethic during their recent tour to England. “The Test squad’s performance in England was commendable in discipline and hard work. For me, that was a huge tick,” he concluded.
