Gambhir's Verdict: Will Rohit and Kohli Play Until the 2027 ODI World Cup?
India head coach Gautam Gambir stated on Monday that he prophesied senior batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be available in a majority of ODIs and Tests after stepping away from T20 internationals. He expressed hopefulness that they would maintain their fitness levels to remain in contention for the 2027 50-over World Cup. Following their retirement from T20Is India’s World Cup victory earlier this month, both Rohit and Kohli were expected to be unavailable for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
Nevertheless, both players have been included in India’s squad for the upcoming three ODIs in Sri Lanka with an eye on the Champions Trophy scheduled for the first quarter of the following year.
Addressing the media for the first time since becoming India’s head coach, Gambhir highlighted the significance of managing workload for star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, while also anticipating consistent appearances from Rohit and kohli in the future.
In his inaugural media address as India’s head coach, Gambhir underscored the importance of eventually managing workload for premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah while expressing confidence in the continued regular participation of Rohit and kohli in upcoming games.
"I've said it before that workload management for someone like Jasprit Bumrah is important. For a batter, if they can play consistently, if they're in good form, might as well just play all the games," he said.
"With Rohit and Virat not playing T20 cricket, we only have two formats to look after. I'm sure they're going to be available for most of the games," he added.
But for Bumrah, Gambhir said the “one rare kind of a bowler” handled with more care due to injury concerns that are a regular nuisance for fast bowlers.
"It's our responsibility to try and have him fresh for most of the important games (and) that's why workload management, not only for Jasprit Bumrah, but for most of the fast bowlers becomes very, very important," he said.
Gambhir also expressed his anticipation that Rohit and Kohli will focus on their fitness with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup,scheduled to take place in South Africa.
"They have shown what they can deliver on the big day...in the T20 World Cup, in the 50-overs World Cup as well," he said.
"One thing I can be very clear of is that both of those guys have a lot of cricket left in them. More importantly with the Champions Trophy and a big tour of Australia coming up they will be motivated.
"Because then, hopefully, if they can keep their fitness to make the 2027 World Cup as well, this is a very personal decision. I can't say how much cricket is left in them," Gambhir said.
Each format, Different teams ? May be
While not dismissing the possibility of having three different teams for each format, Gambhir explained the importance of consistency for the Indian team, Particularly as the T20I squad undergoes transition after the retirements of Rohit, Kohli, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
"See, eventually going forward, these things happen. For example, Virat and Rohit and Ravindra are not there in T20Is. But (I) can't say right now that there are going to be three different teams," he said.
"I think T20I (team) will obviously go through a transition with three seriously good players, world-class players, retiring from the format.
"But yes, in 50-overs and Test cricket, the more consistent we can be, the better it is going to be. The more players in both the formats, it is always better for any team," he said.
Things will keep simple
Gambhir mentioned that he aims to foster a positive atmosphere in the dressing room, acknowledging that international cricket can create pressure and feelings of insecurity at times.
"My experience or my learning has been very simple. In a sport, it's all about winning, so I don't deviate from something like that," he explained while talking about the things he learnt as mentors of IPL teams Lucknow SuperGiants and Kolkata Knight Riders.
"...we try and play hard and more importantly, we try and come back in a winning dressing room.. A happy dressing room is a winning dressing room. I think I don't like complicating things and that's the kind of profession I'm in," he added.
"Sometimes, international cricket can be tough and it can be insecure as well because only 15 can play. But it's the job of the support staff to try and keep them in a happy state and that is going to be one thing which we definitely will be working for," he further added.
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