Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma feature in ODI World Cup 2027? India's new ODI captain clarifies
India's newly appointed ODI captain, Shubman Gill, has revealed whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the two veterans of the 50-over format, would feature in the 2027 edition of the ODI World Cup.
During the squad announcement of the Indian side for their upcoming three-match series against Australia down under, the selection committee removed Rohit Sharma from the leadership and handed over the responsibility to Shubman Gill. Many predicted that these changes could bring the curtains down for Rohit and Kohli in the 50-over format.
Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the selection committee, revealed that they were non-committal about the participation in the ODI World Cup 2027. But Shubman Gill addressed that the senior duo would always be in their plans for the mega event in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
“The experience and skill that Rohit and Virat have — very few players possess them. Very few have helped India win as many matches as they both have. To have that kind of skill, quality, and experience — I think very few players in the world have that. They are very much in the mix for the ODI World Cup 2027.” Gill expressed in the pre-match press conference.
Shubman Gill reveals his plan for World Cup 2027 regarding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Both Kohli and Rohit have earned incredible success in the 50-over World Cups. The former is the second leading run-getter in the history of the event with 1795 runs at an average of around 60 with five centuries and 12 fifties, while Rohit has clubbed 1575 runs at 60.57 and a strike rate of 105, thanks to seven centuries and six fifties.
“And the qualities, there are so many qualities that I have inherited from Rohit (Sharma) bhai. The calmness that he possesses and the kind of friendship that he has among the group, which is something that I aspire to and want to. These are the qualities that I want to take from him.” Gill explained during the same interaction.
The Punjab-born also revealed that even though the ODI captaincy announcement came in between the opening Ahmedabad Test against the West Indies, he knew about the change a few days earlier. He also wants to maintain the friendships with players like Rohit did in the squad while leading India to the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025.
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