India’s star cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are eager to participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup, but coach Gautam Gambhir stressed the need to concentrate on current challenges during a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday.
With Shubman Gill now appointed as India’s ODI captain, the national selectors have initiated a transition phase in the format. By 2027, Kohli and Rohit will be 39 and 40 years old, raising questions about their long-term roles within the squad.
Gambhir commented, “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.”
His remarks highlight the importance of focusing on immediate challenges rather than getting entangled in long-term uncertainties.
Sources indicate that Kohli and Rohit’s participation in the World Cup may hinge significantly on their performances in the next nine ODIs, including three games each against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand in the upcoming months.
In his inaugural year as head coach, Gambhir has actively worked to identify new talent while establishing a more stable selection process across all formats. When discussing the attributes he seeks in players prepared for national selection, he 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.”
Moreover, he acknowledged the highly competitive nature of international cricket, describing it as an “insecure environment” due to limited opportunities for talented players.
“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. So, if you pick the right characters, give them time to prove themselves rather than chopping and changing,” he explained.
Gambhir further shared his thoughts on the emotional aspects of selection, clarifying his aversion to the term ‘dropping players’. He articulated: “You don’t drop players, you only select players. When someone misses out, the least a coach can do is be empathetic, not ruthless.”
He lauded the team’s impressive work ethic during their recent tour of England, emphasizing the significance of discipline and commitment in the squad. “The Test squad that went to England was superb in terms of discipline and hard work. For me, that was a huge tick,” Gambhir concluded.
As India navigates through this transitional phase, the emphasis on nurturing young talent while balancing experience will be crucial. Fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate seeing how Kohli and Rohit perform in the upcoming series, determining their potential roles in future World Cups.
