Star India batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will need to prove themselves in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia to ensure that they keep themselves in the mix for the next 50-over
ties, with the Indian selection committee clearly looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup, according to a report in The Times of India.
Shubman Gill’s elevation to ODI skipper on Saturday, October 4, was part of a year-long plan devised by the national selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir, the report says.
A clear message has been sent to Rohit and Kohli regarding their ODI futures leading up to the World Cup in two years.
The selectors have included Rohit and Kohli in India’s three-match ODI series in Australia later this month, based on their performances in India’s victorious ICC Champions Trophy campaign in March.
Going forward, both Rohit and Kohli will be chosen on merit and current form, the report says.
“It has been a collective effort by Gambhir and Agarkar. They understand that it will be tough for both Rohit and Kohli to be at their peak after two years, given that they are in their late 30s,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
“They didn’t want to be caught off guard if suddenly Rohit or Kohli’s form dipped. It would have created chaos in the leadership group. The duo announcing retirement from Tests days before the selection for the England tour was a case in point,” the source added.
On Saturday, Indian selectors relieved Rohit of ODI leadership, handing the role to Gill with an eye on the 2027 World Cup.
The decisive move by Ajit Agarkar’s selection panel marked a generational shift, with Rohit and Kohli, retired from Tests and T20Is, unlikely to play a major role in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
