Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Plans Leave Gautam Gambhir With Major ODI Selection Dilemma

As Team India starts their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup with a 50-over series against Afghanistan, there are still a few key issues that need to be sorted out before the marquee event. One of the biggest talking points continues to be the ODI future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

While Gautam Gambhir has established a strong grip on India’s Test and T20I teams since taking over as head coach, reports suggest things are not as settled in the ODI setup. The uncertainty surrounding Kohli and Rohit’s long-term plans has only added to the discussion.

According to a report in The Times of India, some senior players have directly approached top BCCI officials to seek clarity on their chances of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup. The report claims these conversations have taken place without the involvement of Gambhir or chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

Ever since Kohli and Rohit retired from T20Is, speculation has continued over whether they will remain part of India’s plans for the next ODI World Cup. Many believe the team management’s vision and the selectors’ expectations have played a role in shaping that conversation.

During IPL 2026 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli made it clear that he is not in a phase of his career where he feels the need to prove himself again. Rohit, meanwhile, appears to have adopted a different approach in ODI cricket after his aggressive, team-first style helped India win the Champions Trophy.

The report further stated that the team management and some senior players are yet to be fully aligned on the roadmap ahead.

“With such big players in the team, Gill needs to have a stronger say in the dressing room. Gambhir hasn’t got involved in the planning as intently as he has done in the other two formats. So far, he has let things take their course,” a BCCI source told the newspaper.

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“Now that the focus has shifted to the preparation for the ODI World Cup, one may expect Gambhir and Gill to take charge and firmly communicate their ideas in the dressing room. It is important that the senior players, who have served India with distinction for so many years, are informed of what role the team expects them to play and the plan for the build-up over the next 16 months”the source further stated

With Kohli set to turn 38 later this year and Rohit already 39, questions over their place in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup continue to grow. How Gambhir, Gill and the selectors handle the situation could have a major impact on India’s chances of lifting the trophy.