Skipper Shubman Gill reveals 2027 World Cup plans for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma ahead of England ODIs

Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma NEW DELHI: India ODI captain Shubman Gill has thrown his weight behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, insisting the veteran duo will continue to be central to India’s plans as the team builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.Addressing speculation surrounding the future of the two senior batsmen ahead of the three-match ODI series against England, Gill made it clear that their place in the side is not in doubt. “Virat Bhai and Rohit Bhai, they have been the backbone of the Indian batting line-up for the last ten years. And they remain a very integral part of our team,” Gill told reporters ahead of the first ODI in Birmingham on Tuesday. The captain said the two’s value goes far beyond runs, highlighting the wealth of experience they bring in pressure situations.“The experience and skill they bring to the team is obviously very valuable. We’ve seen what they’ve done over the last ten years in different conditions, repeatedly, consistently, in a number of games, in different tournaments, on different occasions.”Gill’s comments come after chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently said senior players should not be “put on trial” every series, with questions still looming over India’s transition plans.The 26-year-old also underlined the importance of experience in any successful side.“If there’s an experienced squad in any team, then I think in a pressure situation, experience helps you a lot. Because you’ve been in that situation many times and you’ve done good and bad. So I think when you’re under pressure, you get a sense of calm.”While reiterating that India are using England’s ODIs to fine-tune combinations for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Gill said the team is trying to expose younger players without upsetting its established core.“I don’t think it’s an unbalanced XI… you have to give new players a chance. You have to give them experience.”According to Gill, India’s future planning is not at the expense of proven match winners. Instead, the skipper sees Rohit and Virat continuing to provide stability around which the next generation can be integrated.