Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 8: Gautam Gambhir’s recent press conferences have made one thing abundantly clear — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, despite their stellar performances in Australia and against South Africa, are not automatic choices for the 2027 World Cup squad. With nearly two years left for the ICC event in South Africa, Gambhir has repeatedly stressed the importance of focusing on the present, signalling that the BCCI is unwilling to take any chances.

Both stalwarts, who will be 39 and 40 by the time the tournament arrives, may face challenges related to form, fitness, and hunger — factors Gambhir believes will determine their fate. Yet, the desire to lift the only trophy they haven’t won together remains intense.

However, the board’s cautious approach has drawn strong counterviews. Former BCCI selector Devang Gandhi insists that Rohit and Kohli must remain at the heart of India’s World Cup plans. He believes the squad should be built around the experienced duo if India hopes to break its ODI World Cup drought since 2011.

“As long as Kohli and Rohit are around, the planning has to revolve around them. The management must stick to a pool of not more than 20 players now,” Gandhi told TOI, recalling India’s failures to prepare a stable middle order ahead of the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.

Gandhi’s concerns are not unfounded. Beyond Rohit, Kohli, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, India still lacks clarity in its batting core. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal may have struck maiden ODI tons recently, but they remain far from cementing their places. With Rishabh Pant struggling to break into the XI, and Shreyas Iyer awaiting a return post injury, Gandhi warns that without a streamlined roadmap, the consequences could once again be severe.

India’s quest for ODI glory continues — and so does the debate on whether its two biggest icons will lead the charge in 2027.