Shubman Gill discusses Virat Kohli’s role in 2027 ODI World Cup planning
India captain Shubman Gill has confirmed that former captain Virat Kohli is actively involved in the strategic planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Gill also addressed the roles of Kohli and Rohit Sharma within the team as they prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Ahead of a three-match ODI series against England, Gill stated that Kohli is deeply engaged in discussions about the team’s future, including combinations and potential players for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in South Africa. Gill mentioned that these conversations include identifying players who are not currently in the squad but could be valuable additions.
Gill specifically noted that he and Kohli have been discussing various combinations that could be effective in South Africa. These discussions extend to identifying bowlers, all-rounders, and spinners who might contribute to the team’s success in the future. The captain highlighted that these tactical conversations are part of the long-term planning for the major tournament.
Veterans’ Integral Role
Addressing speculation about the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill indicated that both senior players are not considering retirement in the near future. He underscored their continued importance to the Indian team, describing them as integral parts of the national 50-over setup.
Gill emphasised that Kohli and Sharma have been the backbone of the Indian batting line-up for the past decade. Their experience and skill are considered highly valuable to the team, especially given their consistent performances across various conditions, matches, and tournaments over the years. Gill stated that the duo continues to be a crucial component of the team’s strategy.
The presence of an experienced batting unit, according to Gill, provides a sense of stability, particularly in high-pressure situations. He explained that seasoned players, having faced numerous challenging scenarios, bring a calming influence to the team. This experience is deemed vital for navigating crunch moments on the field.
Gill also welcomed the return of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to the squad. Bumrah was rested after the IPL 2026 to manage his workload, and his rejoining the team is expected to strengthen India’s pace attack. Gill expressed optimism that Bumrah would perform well in the upcoming ODI series.
Moving Past T20I Results
The Indian team enters the ODI series following a challenging period in the T20I format, where they experienced defeats against both Ireland and England. Gill, however, downplayed the impact of these results on the upcoming ODI series, highlighting the differences between the formats.
Gill clarified that the T20I series results should not be a concern for the Indian team in the ODI format. He stressed that the formats are distinct, involving different team compositions and objectives. Therefore, he believes the atmosphere and approach for the ODI series are entirely separate from the recent T20I performances.
The team is focused on their preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with the current ODI series against England marking the beginning of this journey. The first ODI of the series is scheduled to commence at 3:30 pm IST on July 14.
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Source: indiatoday.in
