A major debate has erupted around the BCCI’s long-term planning for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, with former India opener and current head coach Gautam Gambhir repeatedly stating in press conferences that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are not guaranteed selections for the tournament.
With the next World Cup still 22 months away, Gambhir has emphasised the need to focus on present performance, fitness, and hunger — especially since both Rohit and Kohli will be 39 and 40 years old by the time the event begins in South Africa. While the duo remains motivated to chase the one ICC trophy they haven’t lifted together, Gambhir believes no assumptions can be made at this stage.
Former Selector Pushes Back Against BCCI’s Approach
However, the BCCI’s strategy has come under strong criticism from former national selector Devang Gandhi, who argues that the management cannot afford to sideline India’s two most experienced ODI players. Gandhi believes that Kohli and Rohit should remain the nucleus of the 2027 squad, with the rest of the team being built around them.
He highlighted India’s growing desperation to win an ODI World Cup, having last lifted the trophy in 2011, and said the heartbreak of the 2023 final demands smarter planning rather than a complete overhaul.
Middle-Order Concerns Remain Unresolved
Gandhi also raised concerns about India’s unstable middle and lower order. Beyond Rohit, Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill, very few batters have cemented their place.
Recent centurions Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal are still far from assured spots, while stars like Rishabh Pant are struggling for consistent XI selection. Shreyas Iyer’s injury has further disrupted continuity.
Drawing parallels with the failures of the 2019 and 2023 World Cup campaigns, Gandhi warned that without a defined core group of around 20 players, India risks repeating past mistakes.
He stressed:
“As long as Kohli and Rohit are around, planning must revolve around them. A large talent pool without stability only leads to confusion — and the repercussions could be catastrophic.”
According to Gandhi, unclear role definitions and insufficient backing for middle-order players have hurt India before and may do so again if corrective steps are not taken immediately.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
