Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Still Be Around for the 2027 World Cup? Gambhir Urges Everyone to 'Focus on the Now'
Cricket fans are buzzing with one burning question: Will the legendary duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still be part of India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup? With Rohit no longer the ODI captain (handing the reins to the young Shubman Gill) and both stars now in their mid-30s—having stepped away from Tests and T20Is—their selection for the upcoming ODI series in Australia has sparked intense speculation. But here’s the reality check: Head coach Gautam Gambhir isn’t even entertaining that conversation yet.
After India's dominant 2-0 Test series win over the West Indies, Gambhir made his stance clear: "The 50-over World Cup is still two-and-a-half years away. Right now, staying present is what matters most." He emphasized the value of experience, adding, "These are world-class players returning to the side. Their know-how will be crucial in Australia. We hope they—and the team as a whole—have a successful tour." But this raises a bigger debate: Should India continue relying on veteran stars, or is it time to fully embrace the next generation?
The Transition Phase: Balancing Legacy and Youth
Rohit and Kohli’s inclusion in the Australia tour suggests the selectors aren’t ready to completely phase them out. Yet, with Gill now leading the ODI team and serving as T20I vice-captain, the future is undeniably taking shape. Gambhir brushed off concerns about Gill’s workload, joking, "I need a mental-conditioning coach before he does!" before turning serious: "When you’re performing, your mindset stays strong. My job is to ensure the entire squad—not just Shubman—remains mentally sharp, especially those juggling all three formats."
And this is where it gets controversial: While some argue that India must prioritize youth to build for 2027, others believe sidelining proven match-winners like Rohit and Kohli prematurely could backfire. Where do you stand? Should sentiment play a role in selection, or is cold, hard performance the only metric?
The Harshit Rana Controversy: Gambhir Fires Back at Critics
Another hot topic is the selection of young fast bowler Harshit Rana for the Australia tour. Former India captain Kris Srikkanth sparked outrage by claiming Rana only made the squad because he’s "Gambhir’s yes-man." Gambhir’s response was blistering: "It’s shameful to attack a 23-year-old just to fuel your YouTube channel. His father isn’t a former selector or cricketer—he earned this on merit. Criticize performance, not the person."
Think about this: In an era where social media amplifies every hot take, Gambhir’s plea for fairness raises a critical question: Do ex-players have a moral responsibility to protect young talent from undue scrutiny, or is harsh criticism just part of the game?
Final Thoughts: What’s Best for Indian Cricket?
Gambhir’s message is clear: Indian cricket belongs to everyone, and constructive criticism should focus on the field, not personal attacks. But the bigger picture remains unresolved: How should India manage the twilight years of its legends while nurturing the next wave?
Drop your thoughts below—do Rohit and Kohli still have a role to play in 2027, or is it time to pass the torch completely? And how far is too far when critiquing young players?
