India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has weighed in on the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, specifically addressing their potential availability for the 2027 ODI World Cup. During a press briefing prior to the ODI series against Australia, which kicks off on October 19 in Perth, Gambhir stressed the importance of focusing on the present. Both players, who have concluded their careers in Test and T20 Internationals, are part of the ODI squad that will be captained by Shubman Gill. Gambhir’s statement underscored his forward-looking yet grounded approach: “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.” He expressed his hope for a successful Australian tour for both Rohit and Virat. India’s upcoming calendar is packed with international commitments, including the Australia series, T20Is, and a demanding home series against South Africa. Gambhir touched upon the challenges of managing players juggling all three formats. He praised the proactive approach of Test players in their preparation, citing the value of playing domestic matches like the Ranji Trophy and India A fixtures to stay match-fit and adapt to different conditions. “I think the more they play for the test matches, it is very important for them,” he stated. Addressing the pressures of his role, Gambhir was forthright about being judged by results. “When you don’t get the results, I will face the criticism.” He emphasized that his responsibility lies in fostering a conducive environment, ensuring player confidence, and making strategic decisions. However, he ultimately attributed success to the players on the field, stating, “The better the performance of the team, the better the coach will be.”
