Gautam Gambhir Plays It Safe on Kohli, Rohit's 2027 World Cup Chances

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has chosen not to guarantee spots for senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying their inclusion will depend on performance and fitness. The two veterans are set to return to international cricket after an eight-month break during the upcoming ODI series against Australia.

Speaking to the media at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, where India sealed a 2-0 Test series win over the West Indies, Gambhir emphasised the need to focus on the present rather than look too far ahead. “The 2027 World Cup is still two and a half years away. Kohli and Rohit are quality players, no doubt, and hopefully they have a successful tour in Australia,” Gambhir said during the post-match press conference.

His remarks echoed those of chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who earlier this month had also refrained from confirming the long-term ODI future of Kohli and Rohit, despite including them for the Australia tour. While some reports suggested that the series could be a "perform or perish" opportunity for the two, newly-appointed ODI skipper Shubman Gill dismissed such speculation, stating that their experience and match-winning abilities are invaluable in big tournaments.

Notably, this series will mark Kohli and Rohit’s return to Indian colours since the Champions Trophy earlier this year in the UAE, where India lifted the title. It’s also the first ODI assignment under Gill’s captaincy, after Rohit stepped down from the format and Gill took over earlier this year.

Kohli, who recently returned to India after a four-month break abroad, had been training in London after winning his maiden IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He also underwent a mandatory pre-season fitness test in the UK. Rohit, meanwhile, resumed training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before shifting to Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, where he trained under former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar.

The duo, along with the rest of the Indian squad, is set to depart for Australia on Wednesday, with eyes firmly set on preparing for the next phase of India’s white-ball journey.