"If You Give Gautam Gambhir A Choice...": Ashish Nehra's Intriguing Take On Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Playing 2027 ODI World Cup

25.07.2024 - 06:06 sports.ndtv.com

Former India pacer Ashish Nehra has shared his views on the possibility of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing till the ODI World Cup 2027.

This comes after new India head coach Gautam Gambhir claimed that if the two veterans manage to stay fit, he'll surely have Rohit and Kohli in the planks for the marquee event in 2027.

Kohli and Rohit announced their T20I retirements after the T20 World Cup final last month, and will solely focus on ODIs and Tests with two major ICC events scheduled to take place next year.

Speaking on Kohli and Rohit's chances of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup, Nehra said that the duo will have to keep raising the bar. "It involves both physical and mental aspects.

cricket India Cricket Team Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Gautam Gambhir Ashish Nehra India

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.

"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.

After ODI Tie, Rohit Sharma Gives Verdict On India vs Sri Lanka Result

India captain Rohit Sharma believes that the 231-run target set by Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium was "gettable". After restricting Sri Lanka on 230/8, it turned out to be a topsy-turvy chase for the Indian team. Despite the explosive start provided by Rohit (58 in 47 balls, with seven fours and three sixes), the chase became a tantalizing affair for the Indian team. However, the Indian team ended up losing wickets towards the end, which ended the game in a draw in the absence of Super Over.

"Whether He Will Laugh Or Not...": Rohit Sharma's Straight Take On New India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir

India's three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, starting on Friday, will also be the first time of the side playing under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. Skipper Rohit Sharma said Gambhir, who has taken over from Rahul Dravid, has a very clear mind in what he aims to do with the team. "Look, Gautam Gambhir has played a lot of cricket firstly and then he has been involved with a franchise team as well before sitting at the top. So yes, like I said, it's obviously going to be different from the previous coaching staff. Every human and individual is different. Before when Rahul Dravid joined the team, we had Ravi Shastri."