As India begins preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup, captain Shubman Gill has made it clear that experienced players continue to play a key role in the team’s future plans. Amid ongoing discussions about the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill’s latest comments have offered a strong indication that both the senior stars remain central to India’s one-day setup.
Speaking ahead of the first ODI against England on Monday, Shubman Gill revealed that he had recently held detailed discussions with Virat Kohli regarding India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held in Africa.
According to Shubman Gill, the conversation focused on building the best possible squad for the tournament. The two discussed different team combinations, the players who could become important in the coming years, and how each player could fit into the overall team structure. His comments suggested that Virat Kohli is not only part of India’s plans but is also actively contributing to the team’s future strategy.
Shubman Gill’s remarks also come at a time when there has been constant speculation about Virat Kohli’s future in the ODI format. Recently, the former India captain had spoken about not wanting to remain in a team where he constantly had to prove himself. Shubman Gill’s comments appear to send a clear message that Kohli remains an important figure in the dressing room and continues to have the confidence of the team management.
Since stepping down as captain in the Test and T20I formats, Virat Kohli has largely stayed away from leadership responsibilities. However, Shubman Gill’s revelation suggests that the veteran batter is once again playing a significant role in guiding the team’s direction, even if he is not wearing the captain’s armband.
Virat Kohli also has an outstanding record as India’s ODI captain. He led the team in 95 One-Day Internationals, winning 65 matches, giving him a 68.42% win percentage — the highest among Indian captains who have led the country in more than one ODI.
Shubman Gill also spoke about the value of both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, dismissing concerns surrounding their age. He said that the two senior batters have been the backbone of India’s batting lineup for the past decade and continue to be vital members of the ODI team.
The India captain highlighted the experience, consistency and ability that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bring to the side, adding that both have repeatedly delivered in different conditions around the world. He believes their presence remains extremely important as India prepares for another World Cup campaign.
With the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup now underway, Shubman Gill’s comments suggest that India’s future will not only depend on young talent but will also be shaped by the experience and leadership of players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
