Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could be facing more tough decisions about their international futures — at least that’s what legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar believes. After Rohit was removed as ODI captain and replaced by Shubman Gill, Gavaskar warned that this might just be the beginning of a larger transition.
Gavaskar: “Be Ready for More Bad News”
Speaking to Sports Tak, Gavaskar didn’t mince his words when asked if more setbacks might be coming for the senior duo.
“Haan bilkul (Yes, absolutely)… If you are non-committal and can’t say whether you’ll be ready for the next two years, then be prepared for more bad news,” he said.
His remarks came after Ajit Agarkar, while announcing the squad for the ODI series against Australia, revealed that both Kohli and Rohit had been non-committal about their participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Agarkar even advised them to consider playing domestic cricket like the Vijay Hazare Trophy if they want to stay match-ready.
Rohit’s Removal Signals a Bigger Shift
Reports suggest that removing Rohit from ODI captaincy is just the first step in phasing him out of the 50-over format, with a similar outcome possible for Kohli if performances don’t improve.
With Shubman Gill now officially appointed as ODI skipper, the selectors are clearly preparing him for a long-term leadership role — potentially across all three formats. Gill, now 26, has about two years to build his team for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Limited ODI Opportunities Could Hurt Senior Stars
Gavaskar pointed out a key reason why the senior players’ future is uncertain — the lack of ODI fixtures.
“Rohit only plays ODIs now, and if you look at the international calendar, India isn’t playing many. Most bilateral series are Tests and T20Is. If he plays only 5-7 ODIs a year, that’s not enough preparation for a major tournament like the World Cup,” Gavaskar explained.
Legacy Acknowledged, But Future Looks Different
Despite the tough calls, Gavaskar acknowledged Rohit’s achievements, including winning the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup for India. But even the opener himself, according to Gavaskar, understands the logic behind the decision.
“He has done a lot for India, no doubt. But if the plan is to build for the future, then a young captain must be prepared. That’s the mindset the selection committee is working with,” he added.
With Gill taking over and selectors thinking long-term, the message seems clear — if Kohli and Rohit want to feature in the 2027 World Cup, they’ll need to prove their hunger, fitness, and form all over again.
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