There is a lot of discussion on whether Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will play in the ODI World Cup 2027 or not. In fact, it has been said in many reports that BCCI has not assured both the legends that they will be a part of the 2027 World Cup squad. Both will now also play in the 50-over domestic tournament Vijay Hazare Trophy. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s wicket-keeper batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz has given a big statement. He said that if both of them do not play then I will be happy as an Afghan player.

In an interview given to Sports Tak, Rahmanullah Gurbaz said that if two stalwarts of the Indian team (Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma) are not in the World Cup, then other teams will feel more confident. Gurbaz said, “As an Afghan player, I would be happy if Virat and Kohli are not in the team. Because if both of them are not there then we will have more chances to win.”

Gurbaz said about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

Gurbaz further said, “They are legends. It is not that anyone will come and say that Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma should not be in the team. If they are not a part of the team, then every team will be happy. They are such big names and very good players too.”

Gurbaz defended Gautam Gambhir

There is a mixed reaction in India regarding the head coach of the Indian cricket team, Gautam Gambhir. While many fans support him, there is a camp which also criticizes him. After India vs South Africa second test, slogans were raised against Gambhir in the stadium itself, some videos of which went viral. However, Gurbaz is surprised by Gambhir’s criticism.

Gurbaz said that Gautam Gambhir is the best coach and he is surprised by his criticism. He told PTI, “Out of 1.4 billion people of your country, 20-30 lakh people may be against them but the rest are with Gautam Gambhir and the team. He is the best coach, mentor and human being. I like his way of working very much. India has won the Champions Trophy, Asia Cup in T20. Many series have been won. You cannot blame him for just one series.”

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from T20 and Tests, now both play only in ODI formats. The next ODI is in the World Cup 2027, will these two veterans play in it? Discussion about this has intensified. A source told PTI that Virat-Rohit would be close to 40 years by 2027, so a clear plan for this tournament should be prepared as we had won the title 14 years ago. The source also said that there is a need to give opportunity to some young players in time.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have become difficult to play in ODI World Cup 2027. In his absence, under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, Team India performed brilliantly in England, draws series 2-2 and gave a tough fight in all five matches. Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, famous Krishna, Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep etc. impressed. The source told PTI that before the World Cup cycle starts, there will be a professional conversation with the players, in which their mental and physical condition will be seen.

Discussion will be held before ODI World Cup 2027

A source told PTI, “This will be discussed soon. We have more than 2 years for the upcoming ODI World Cup. Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be close to 40 years, so there should be a clear plan for such a big tournament as we had won the ODI Cup in 2011. We need to give a chance to young players before this.”

Captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from this format with winning the T20 World Cup in 2024. After this, the form of both of them was bad in the Test, before the series against England, both of them also said goodbye to Test cricket. There was also a discussion among the fans whether they were forced to retire from the Test? Now the question is whether these two will be gradually excluded from ODIs?

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will not be put on retirement from ODI

The source told PTI, “Virat and Rohit have made a big contribution to the team’s game of limited overs, they have acquired almost everything. So I don’t think there will be any pressure on them. But there will be a professional conversation before the start of the World Cup cycle, which will see where they stand mentally and physically.”

Both played the last international match in March (Champions Trophy Final), if the upcoming Champions Trophy is also in T20 format, then both of them will not play in it either. The ODI series was to be held with Bangladesh in August, that too has been postponed. India’s next ODI series is against Australia in October, followed by a 3 -match ODI series with South Africa in November. Kohli-Rohit will have to perform well in both these series.