Gautam Gambhir Statement: The Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir opened up on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s future till the ODI World Cup 2027 after the two-match test series win against the West Indies. The Indian coach also talked about Shubman Gill being the new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, stating that he “deserves” that.
The preparations for the ODI World Cup 2027 have begun, starting with Shubman Gill being the new captain. The upcoming ODI series against Australia will play a key role in their preparations, which will commence on October 19, Sunday.
“Stay In The Present….”: Gautam Gambhir Statement On Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Future
The star duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be back in the Indian jersey after a long wait for the Champions Trophy 2025. As the duo announced their retirement from the T20I and Test cricket, ODI is the only format where Indian fans will be getting a glimpse of them on the field.
Now, the head coach, Gambhir, opened up on plans regarding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, stating that the upcoming Australia tour is the key series for them and there are high expectations from the duo.
He said,
“The 50-over World Cup is still what, two and a half years away? And I think it is very important to stay in the present. That is something that is important. Obviously, there are quality players; they’re coming back. Their experience is going to be helpful in Australia as well. Hopefully, those two guys will have a successful tour. And more importantly, as a team, we will have a successful series.”
“Shubman Gill Deserves Every Bit”: Gautam Gambhir On Captaincy
In the last few months, Shubman Gill’s career has seen a rise in the form of captaincy, from being India’s Test captain to the T20I vice captain and now the ODI captain. While some believe that this shift has been very easy, Gambhir feels that Gill has earned it, especially after the way he leveled up the series against England and now won the home test series against the West Indies at home.
He said,
“I think he deserves every bit of it. I think he’s worked hard, and I’ve said that he ticks all the boxes. And for me as a coach, I think someone who’s saying the right things, doing the right things, working hard, having a work ethic, being committed, putting his body on the line, and being the first guy on the field—what more can a coach ask for? And I know it’s tough for him.”
Further, he said,
“It was tough, and I said many times that England was probably the toughest test for him. Five test matches over a course of two and a half months against a quality side, an intimidating batting lineup, and an inexperienced Indian team. What more could he have faced?”
“Give Credit To The Entire Group”: Gautam Gambhir
In the five-match test series against England, he led the team from the front and was the highest scorer for the side, and now against the West Indies too. Talking about this, Gambhir stated that big runs bring respect, and speaking correct words plays a big part in it, which Gill has done, and the whole dressing room admitted that.
He said,
“But then again, the way he handled himself and, importantly, the way he’s handled the team and, more importantly, the way the team has responded to him. I think sometimes we only keep talking about the captain, but the way the team has responded to him and to his leadership is equally important. So you’ve got to give credit to the entire group in that dressing room.”
“Yes, you do earn respect by scoring runs, but you also earn respect by saying the right things and doing the right things. I think your actions should be more than anything else, not just the performances. So I think he’s done phenomenally well, and so has the group. First and foremost, I need one.”
Also Read: Shubman Gill Hands Trophy To Indian Youngster, Ravindra Jadeja Playfully Snatches It Away
