Gautam Gambhir Opens 2027 ODI WC Door For Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma. But, Has One Condition

22.07.2024 - 09:43 sports.ndtv.com

A lot of talk surrounding Gautam Gambhir's appointment as Team India's new head coach has been on the future of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the national setup.

However, appearing in a press conference for the first time since his appointment, Gambhir has hinted that despite their age, Rohit (37) and Virat (35) are still in his plans.

Gambhir even suggested that provided they retain their fitness, the duo could still be considered for the 2027 ODI World Cup. "One thing I can be very clear of is that both of those guys (Rohit and Virat) have a lot of cricket left in them.

More importantly, with the Champions Trophy and a big tour to Australia, obviously they would be motivated enough," said Gambhir.

cricket Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Team India Gautam Gambhir Jay Shah Ajit Agarkar Australia India Sri Lanka

The Indian cricket team slumped to a shocking series loss on Sri Lankan soil for the first time in 27 years after the Rohit Sharma-led side were defeated comprehensively in third ODI encounter on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 249, India were completely outplayed as they were bundled out for 138. It was a stunning result for new head coach Gautam Gambhir who did not win a single ODI in his first assignment in the format. Former Pakistan cricket team star Tanvir Ahmed took to social media to take a dig at Rohit and co following the shocking loss. "India team ka ODI series harney ka gift Gautham ghambir (A gift for Gautam Gambhir from the India team that they lost the ODI series)," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"He Isn't Foreign Coach": Ex-India Star's Blunt 'Kohli-Rohit Verdict' On Gautam Gambhir's Stance

The ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka were quite important from the perspective of the Indian cricket team as they were the first assignments of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach came to an end following the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph and Gambhir was announced right away to take over the role. The first team selection for the new head coach came with some new faces but the ODI squad included two experienced names, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While the tour of Sri Lanka was being seen as an opportunity to try new combinations with young talents, Gambhir insisted on including Kohli and Rohit. Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra was asked about the decision and he believes that including Rohit-Virat was not the right call.

"Gautam Gambhir Is A Kid": Childhood Coach Makes Stunning Relevation

Gautam Gambhir's childhood coach Sanjay Bharadwaj has said that people often confuse Gambhir's strive to win and achieve success with arrogance. Calling him a 'kid', Bharadwaj - who has shared a three-decade long association with Gambhir - came to the defence of his most famous disciple. Gambhir was recently appointed the head coach of Team India, after a title-winning IPL 2024 as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Whilst Gambhir's clash of personalities with figures like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli have been popularly portrayed, his coach believes he is misunderstood.

"Tik Nahi Payega": On Gautam Gambhir's Role, India's T20 World Cup-Winner Drops Bold Remark

Former India pacer Joginder Sharma feels Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach of the team might not be a long one, mainly because of his outspoken nature. Gambhir took over as head coach of the Indian team last month after Rahul Dravid tenure came to an end after the T20 World Cup in June. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in Gambhir's debut T20I series as head coach. On Friday, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to the side for the ODI series opener, which India drew to Sri Lanka after a thrilling finish.

Watch: Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli's Joy Turns Into Disbelief As India Fumble Easy Win

Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh were dismissed by Charith Asalanka off consecutive deliveries with India just one run away from victory as the first ODI encounter against Sri Lanka ended in a tie on Friday. Chasing a target of 231, India looked all set to clinch the victory with 1 run to win from 15 balls. On the third ball of the 48th over, Dube slammed Asalanka for a boundary and it prompted a huge celebration from Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir in the dressing room. However, things quickly changed as Dube was dismissed LBW on the very next ball and India had just one wicket remaining.

India's Predicted XI vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI: Two Big Selection Decisions Await Rohit Sharma

Ahead of India's first ODI against Sri Lanka, skipper Rohit Sharma said that it is hard to choose between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant for the wicketkeeper-batter slot, calling both of them match-winners and saying that it is nice to have such selection "problems" while picking up a team. India's first ODI against Sri Lanka will start on Friday at Colombo. This comes after Men in Blue's 3-0 clean sweep win in the T20I series. It isn't just the Rahul vs Pant call that Rohit has to take for the wicket-keeper's spot but also a Shivam Dube vs Riyan Parag decision that the India skipper would be contemplating on ahead of the series opener.