ODI Debate Ends? Kohli & Rohit Set to Lead India to 2027 Glory

Former selectors and cricket experts suggest Indian cricket to stop the constant evaluation of the veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Their worth both sin Sunday’s first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi, with Kohli scoring 135 off 120 balls.

Kohli after the match reflecting on his cricketing journey revealed that his preparation has always been mental and unconventional. At present, Rohit and Kohli play just the ODI format and hope to be part of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The tournament, which will be hosted in South Africa, is believed to have tough batting periods.

The team management's recent moves like the captaincy change from Rohit to Shubman Gill have made people doubt about the transitions being natural. The retired legends are rumored to be still on the trial despite their round-the-clock service. BCCI insiders point to "conflicting cultures" in the ODI team, where the head coach Gautam Gambhir is said to be less dominant with the elderly than with the young.

Gambhir has made clear that he wants to bring his vision to life and that he would rather train a young dressing room than manage the established stars. He is said to be against any 'superstar culture' within the team, putting the focus on discipline and clarity of the approach instead.

Past instances show that Indian cricket has effortlessly handled the transition from one generation to another. Former chief selector MSK Prasad pointed out the need to provide Kohli and Rohit with their leadership roles during the time when Kohli succeeded Dhoni in white-ball captaincy. Prasad asserted that the two veterans should continue to mentor Gill while being involved only when it is required.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said it would be impossible to look at the captaincy move of Gill in isolation from the limited number of ODIs that India will play in the next two years. The team has to be ready in case Rohit or Kohli do not make it to the World Cup. Domestic cricket like the Vijay Hazare Trophy could be the place where the veterans get their match practice while also being able to encourage the younger players, though Prasad advised against always stressing the point.

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta, who is now a broadcaster, said the ongoing debates over the veterans' roles should be brought to an end. "Selectors and management together should set clear expectations for Kohli and Rohit while the players should also be open about their plans to get ready for 2027. It is vital to keep the dressing room as a positive place," he remarked.

Agarkar, who went through similar turbulence of team under coach Greg Chappell in 2005-2007, sees the importance of making a clear roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup. It is the unanimous opinion of the experts that Kohli and Rohit are still the pillars of India's ODI ambitions, and the management has to find a place where the new talent can grow and at the same time the old hands can still be used.