Shubman Gill, India’s new ODI captain, has stated unequivocally that senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are still on India’s radar for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host.
Both veterans haven’t played competitive cricket since the 2025 Indian Premier League, and their most recent international matches were in the Champions Trophy in February and March. When the next World Cup comes along, Rohit will be 40 and Kohli will be 39.
India’s forthcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, which begins on October 19, will include the two. However, a significant shift has already occurred: Gill took Rohit’s place as ODI captain, suggesting that a change in leadership may be in the works.
But according to Gill, both players are here to stay, at least for the time being.
The quantity of matches they have won for India and their level of experience make them unique among players. There aren’t many players with this level of talent, expertise, and experience in the globe. According to the Indian Express, Gill stated before the second Test match against the West Indies in New Delhi, “From that perspective, we are definitely looking at them for 2027.”
Despite their advanced age, Rohit and Kohli have both kept up stellar ODI records. In 37 innings since 2023, Rohit has amassed 1714 runs at an average of 48.97 and a strike rate of 117.2, while Kohli has amassed 1710 runs at an average of 61.07 and a strike rate of 95.8 in 34 innings.
Rohit’s spot in the 2027 World Cup team may no longer be assured, according to many cricket fans. He was left out of India’s Test playing XI during the Australia trip earlier this year, despite being the captain. Since then, he has retired from red-ball cricket, and Gill has assumed the role of Test captain.
“I still wish to embody the various traits that Rohit bhai instilled in me. I try to emulate the composure he exudes and displays to us, as well as the relationship he has developed with the group’s players. “These are the traits I wish to inherit from him,” Gill stated.
“Yes, it was announced in the middle of a Test match, but I got to know a little before that,” Gill continued when asked about the moment he found out he would be the next ODI captain. Clearly, it is a great honour and a great duty. I’m thrilled to be in that position as my nation’s leader.
“I have been really excited over the past couple months. I’m eager to see what the future holds, though. Instead of reflecting on my accomplishments or our collective accomplishments, I would prefer to remain as present as possible. All we want to do is look forward to the coming months and win everything we own.
Beginning on October 19, the Men in Blue will play three ODIs and five T20Is in Australia following the second Test match against the West Indies. In addition to leading the ODI team, Gill will be Suryakumar Yadav’s backup in T20Is.
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