India national cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly looking to build a young squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027. Gautam Gambhir wants India to gradually move towards a new generation of players in the next World Cup cycle instead of relying on senior stars, especially Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
This report comes after both Kohli and Rohit failed to perform well in the first ODI against England. Interestingly, captain Shubman Gill is in favor of keeping both of them with him. Recently, Virat Kohli became the third Indian to play 100 SENA ODIs, joining Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma not in Gautam Gambhir’s ICC World Cup 2027 plans
Amid the ongoing ODI series in England, a report by Cricblogger claims that Gautam Gambhir’s idea of moving ahead of India superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has created divided opinions within the national set-up. And this difference may make the situation worse in the coming days.
It is being said that Gambhir’s focus is on preparing young players for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027; Many senior cricketers believe that if Kohli and Rohit are performing well then they should continue.
The report further states that some senior players are not ready to step away from ODI cricket just because they are planning for the future. He believes that selection should depend on form, fitness and performance rather than just age.
Rift inside Indian dressing room regarding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
It is also claimed that many players inside the Indian dressing room keep supporting Kohli and Rohit. The experienced pair are believed to have the support of many teammates who believe their experience and leadership is valuable to the national team.
As a result, the alleged difference of opinions has added a new twist to India’s preparations for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. However, no official decision has been taken regarding the future of Kohli or Rohit for next year’s mega event.
Additionally, the report suggested that Gambhir’s idea could be discussed during the BCCI’s upcoming review meeting, where India’s future plans and team combination are expected to be reviewed in detail.
The meeting could play a key role in deciding how India will balance experienced players with emerging talent in its preparations for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill was left furious after Ben Duckett took a sharp catch in the second ODI against England.
Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar angry with two selectors
Meanwhile, a recent report has claimed that everything is not going well inside the Indian selection committee. According to Dainik Jagran report, Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir are not happy with the way the two members of the five-member selection panel are working.
The report said that he feels that these selectors have become overly involved and are trying to show the top BCCI officials that the team selection has improved because of them.
The report also claims that both these selectors have tried to distance themselves from criticism after India’s poor T20 performance. Just months after winning the T20 World Cup, India have lost six of their last seven T20I matches, raising questions over team selection.
The other big issue was the exclusion of Sanju Samson from the upcoming T20 series against Zimbabwe. The report stated that the selectors were divided on that decision, with Agarkar and some members of the committee not unanimous.