Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has opened up about the inclusion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the ICC ODI World Cup in 2027. Gambhir said that the tournament is still more than two years away and is hopeful that the experienced batsmen and the team will have a successful upcoming series against Australia.
Virat and Rohit have already retired from Test cricket and T20. He will continue to represent the national cricket team in ODI matches only. However, with both the legends nearing the end of their careers, speculation over their future in international cricket has been rife in recent months.
Gautam Gambhir spoke openly on the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
After the second Test against West Indies, Gautam Gambhir was asked about the inclusion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the World Cup. He said the tournament is still more than two years away and said the focus is on the present.
Gautam Gambhir said, “Look, the ODI World Cup is still about two and a half years away and I think it is very important to stay in the present.”
“Obviously, there are quality players coming back and their experience will come in handy in Australia as well. Hopefully those two guys will have a successful tour and more importantly, we as a team will have a successful tour,” he said.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir on the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli said, “Look, the ODI World Cup is still about two and a half years away and I think it is very important to stay in the present. Obviously, quality players are coming back and their experience is going to add… pic.twitter.com/NNX2WFTOUe
– IANS (@ians_india) 14 October 2025
India players, Gautam Gambhir and support staff will leave for Australia on October 15
India are scheduled to leave for Australia from Delhi on Wednesday, October 15, with all the players expected to reach the capital a day before. Virat Kohli, who has been living in London since the end of IPL 2025, was seen reaching Delhi on Tuesday.
Along with Kohli, Rohit Sharma will also return to the Indian team. However, Rohit has been relieved of the responsibility of captaincy in the ODI format. Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new ODI captain as part of the team’s long-term planning.
Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer, who played a key role in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy win, has been made the vice-captain. India are focusing on continuity and long-term planning ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli active only in ODI format
For India, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are active only in ODI format. Questions have arisen regarding his form and fitness, which will decide whether he will be able to fit into India’s long-term plans or not.
Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 38 when the next World Cup is played in Africa. The pair last represented India during their victorious Champions Trophy campaign in February 2025. Rohit earned the Player of the Match award in the final, while Kohli finished as India’s second-highest run-scorer.
Fans, former players and cricket experts have debated the future of Rohit and Kohli in India’s ODI setup. The BCCI is grooming Shubman Gill to lead India in the next ODI World Cup, while the roles of Rohit and Kohli will be evaluated based on form, fitness and their strategic fit within the team.
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