New Delhi: India captain Shubman Gill has strongly indicated that Virat Kohli will continue to play a key role in the team’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, while reaffirming that both Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain vital members of the ODI setup.
Ahead of the opening ODI against England at Edgbaston, Gill revealed that he had held an extensive discussion with Kohli about India’s long term plans, including the ideal team combinations for the next World Cup.
According to Gill, their conversation focused on identifying the best possible balance in the squad, evaluating players who could strengthen the team in the future, and assessing options across the bowling, all rounder, and spin departments. His remarks suggested that Kohli remains closely involved in shaping India’s strategy for the 2027 tournament.
Gill described Kohli and Rohit as the backbone of India’s batting line up over the past decade, highlighting the experience and quality they continue to bring to the side. He said both senior batters remain an integral part of the team as India begins building towards the next World Cup.
The Indian captain also explained that the ongoing ODI series against England is an important step in the team’s preparations, as conditions are expected to be similar to those likely to be encountered during the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
While expressing confidence in the current squad, Gill stressed the importance of expanding India’s player pool before the global tournament. He said the team management intends to provide opportunities to emerging players so they can gain experience in high pressure situations, ultimately giving India greater depth and flexibility ahead of the World Cup.
India enter the three match ODI series after disappointing performances in successive T20I series against Ireland and England. However, Gill believes those results will have little influence on the team’s mindset, pointing out that the ODI format presents different challenges, a different squad, and a fresh objective as India begin laying the foundation for their World Cup campaign.
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