India’s star cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are reportedly keen on playing the 2027 ODI World Cup, but head coach Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday remained non-committal about the future of the veteran duo, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present.
With Shubman Gill’s appointment as India’s ODI captain, national selectors have clearly signalled the beginning of a transition phase in the 50-over format. Both Kohli and Rohit, who will be 39 and 40 years old respectively by 2027, now face questions about their long-term roles in the squad.
“The 50-over World Cup is still two and a half years away. It is very important to stay in the present. Obviously, they are quality players. Their experience will be valuable in Australia. Hopefully, both can have a successful tour, and more importantly, as a team, we can have a successful series,” Gambhir said when asked about their future.
Sources suggest that the final call on their World Cup participation could depend heavily on their performance in the upcoming nine ODIs — three each against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand over the next few months.
In his first full year as head coach, Gambhir has overseen a transition across all formats, focusing on identifying new talent and creating a more stable selection process. When asked what traits he looks for in players ready for the national call-up, Gambhir explained:
“First and foremost, you look at talent. Then the work ethic. You look at the 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 have a successful Test career.”
Gambhir also underlined that international cricket is an “insecure environment” because of intense competition for limited spots.
“It’s important to give players a longer run. Only 15 can represent the country at one time, but many are waiting for their turn. So, if you pick the right characters, give them time to prove themselves rather than chopping and changing,” he said.
On the emotional side of selection, Gambhir revealed he dislikes the term ‘dropping players’, saying:
“You don’t drop players, you only select players. When someone misses out, the least a coach can do is be empathetic, not ruthless.”
Praising the team’s work ethic on the England tour, Gambhir concluded:
“The Test squad that went to England was superb in terms of discipline and hard work. For me, that was a huge tick.”
