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The ODI series against Afghanistan will be a part of India’s preparations for the ODI World Cup 2027. The ODI format is the format where Gautam Gambhir is yet to prove his mettle, unlike the T20I format where he has made a permanent mark.
There are some obvious differences in the dressing rooms of the Indian cricket team across formats. For the T20Is, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar selected a team consisting mostly of young talent. The recent ignoring of 2026 T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav was a strong message by the team management. The scenario is different in ODI.
There is no superstar culture in Gautam Gambhir’s Team India
Unlike the T20Is or even the Tests, the ODI squad includes some of the country’s superstars, like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. After winning the T20 World Cup, Gautam Gambhir made it clear that in his presence there will be no superstar culture in the dressing room. If they apply the same method for 50 over format then what will be the future of Rohit, Virat and Hardik?
According to a Times of India (TOI) report, some senior players are in constant touch with top BCCI officials to get some clarity about their role in the team ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
According to the report, “Sources told TOI that the team management and some senior players need to be brought on the same page. It is also learned that some senior players are in constant touch with powerful forces in the BCCI to get clarity about the plans for 2027.”
Captain Shubman Gill will also have to clear his stand
The matter is not just between Gautam Gambhir and senior cricketers. ODI captain Shubman Gill will also have to adopt his stance. As the leader of the team, he will have to express his views strongly, even if there are big names in the team.
Since players are looking for clarity, communication is the best option. A BCCI source mentioned that as the focus shifts towards the upcoming 50-over World Cup, both Gautam Gambhir and Gill are expected to be involved in the planning.
Gill needs to play a strong role in the dressing room: BCCI sources
“With so many big players in the team, Gill needs to play a strong role in the dressing room. Gambhir has not been as into the plan as he was in the other two formats. So far, he has let things go his way,” a BCCI source told the media house.
“Now that the focus has shifted to preparations for the ODI World Cup, it can be expected that Gambhir and Gill will take charge and convey their views strongly in the dressing room. It is important that the senior players, who have served India with distinction for so many years, are told what role the team expects them to play and what the preparation plan is for the next 16 months,” the source said.
