India’s star cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have set their sights on participating in the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir cautioned against looking too far ahead and stressed the importance of staying focused on the present. Gambhir made these remarks during a media interaction on Tuesday, as national selectors embarked on a transition phase highlighted by Shubman Gill‘s recent appointment as India’s ODI captain.
As Kohli and Rohit approach the age of 39 and 40 by 2027, their roles within the squad have become subjects of speculation. Both players have had stellar careers, but selecting the team for the future demands a careful assessment of talent and potential.
“The 50-over World Cup is still two and a half years away. It is very important to stay in the present,” Gambhir noted. He acknowledged Kohli and Rohit’s significant experience and expressed hopes for their performance in the upcoming series against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. “Hopefully, both can have a successful tour, and more importantly, as a team, we can achieve success this series,” he added.
Sources indicate that the final decision on their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup will hinge on how they perform in the crucial nine ODIs lined up in the next few months. This period holds substantial weight as selectors assess the team’s future.
In his inaugural year as head coach, Gambhir has taken steps to rejuvenate the team’s dynamics, placing strong emphasis on adopting a more stable selection process while identifying emerging talent. According to him, the qualities he seeks in potential players are multifaceted.
“First and foremost, you look at talent. Then the work ethic. You analyze 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 carve out a successful career,” he explained.
Gambhir underscored the intensely competitive atmosphere of international cricket, describing it as an “insecure environment” due to the limited number of spots available on the team.
“It’s important to give players a longer run,” he said. “Only 15 can represent the country at one time, but many are waiting for their turn. If you select the right individuals, you must allow them time to prove themselves instead of constantly altering the lineup.”
Gambhir expressed a more empathetic approach to player selection. He disliked the term ‘dropping players’ and clarified, “You don’t drop players; you only select players. When someone misses out, empathy from the coach is crucial, rather than ruthlessness.”
Praising the team’s dedication during the recent tour to England, Gambhir remarked, “The Test squad that went to England demonstrated remarkable discipline and work ethic. For me, that was a significant achievement.”
