Shubman Gill said India’s long-term ODI planning is already taking shape, and Virat Kohli is part of that conversation.
Speaking before the first ODI against England on Tuesday, July 14, at Edgbaston, Gill said he had discussed plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup with Kohli just a day earlier. The discussion reportedly covered team combinations, possible squad options, and where different players could fit best in India’s setup.
The timing matters because there has been ongoing speculation about the ODI futures of Kohli and Rohit Sharma since both retired from Tests last year. Gill’s comments offered a clearer sign that India is not treating either senior batter as an afterthought in its World Cup planning.
Kohli and Rohit still appear central to India’s ODI thinking
Gill also said Rohit Sharma and Kohli have been the backbone of India’s batting lineup for the past decade and remain an integral part of the team. He pointed to the experience and skill both players bring, along with what they have already done in different conditions over the years.
That view fits with Kohli’s recent ODI form as well. The source noted that he has been in strong touch against New Zealand and South Africa, and last year he also scored more than 600 runs for RCB during IPL 2026, helping the franchise defend its title.
There is still a long way to go before the 2027 ODI World Cup, but Gill’s remarks suggest India is already thinking about balance, continuity, and leadership in its batting group. For now, the message is straightforward: Kohli and Rohit remain important to India’s ODI plans, and that conversation is happening well before the next World Cup cycle reaches its peak.
