India’s newly appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill has given a contradictory statement to chief selector Ajit Agarkar on the possibility of both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing in the ICC World Cup 2027.
Earlier, Agarkar had said that there is no guarantee of prestigious batsmen in India’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2027. But Shubman Gill has made it clear that both Rohit and Virat will remain in the mix for selection in the mega events in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Shubman Gill confirms that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in ICC World Cup 2027
Ahead of the second and final Test against West Indies starting October 10 in Delhi, the Indian Test captain has highlighted the immense value of Virat and Rohit’s experience and match-winning ability, despite retiring from Test and T20I cricket.
Also read: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to reunite with Team India ahead of second Test against West Indies
Gill has emphasized that very few players bring such skills and proven records to the team, hence he would love to have the former captain in his squad for the ICC World Cup 2027.
“The experience he has and the matches he has won for India are really valuable. Very few players offer that skill and experience. He is definitely in the mix. We need him,” Shubman Gill said in the pre-match press conference.
Shubman Gill aims to promote unity and friendship like Rohit Sharma
Apart from this, India’s new ODI captain, inspired by Rohit Sharma, wants to bring peace and team unity to the team. Gill, like Rohit, wants to foster strong friendships and a positive atmosphere in the team as he prepares for another big tour of Australia as captain.
“I want to imbibe Rohit bhai’s calmness and the friendship he created amongst the group,” the young captain said.
Also read: Watch: Harshit Rana makes headlines by arriving at Gautam Gambhir’s team dinner in a BMW while his teammates were taking a bus
Sai Sudarshan under pressure as Ryan ten Doeschate highlights tough competition
Meanwhile, India’s Test batting lineup is facing fierce competition as Sai Sudarshan struggles to cement his place. Sai could score only seven runs in the first Test, while Dhruv Jurel surprised everyone by scoring a brilliant century in India’s spectacular win over West Indies.
Ahead of the second Test, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate emphasized the intense competition within the team. He said Sudarshan is fully aware of the challenge ahead, with a number of talented players, including Jurel, competing for the limited top-order spots.
He also highlighted how quickly opportunities can come and go, citing the example of Karun Nair’s short stint in England. With Shubman Gill safely taking a spot at the top of the order, there is stiff competition for the remaining spots, and consistent performances will be the key to staying in the team.
Also read: ICC launches inaugural Women’s Cricket Week to revolutionize the game amid World Cup 2025
Sai Sudarshan is under no illusion: Ryan ten Doeschate
“I think he’s under no illusions, and he can’t hide from the fact that you fight for a place in this environment,” Ryan ten Doeschate said in the pre-match press conference, where you saw Karun Nair get four Test matches in England (before being dropped for the West Indies series).
There are a lot of good players fighting over the hill to take over that spot. I think this will put pressure on Sai Sudarshan. I think Dhruv showed last week what a good player he is… There are other good players fighting for a top-three or top-four spot – obviously Shubman has lost four players.”
