India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has addressed the pressing questions surrounding the ODI future of veteran cricketers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, including their potential participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. While both players have stepped away from Test and T20I formats, they are included in the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, which begins in Perth on October 19, with Shubman Gill set to captain. Gambhir, known for his straightforward approach, emphasized the importance of focusing on the present during a pre-tour press conference. He expressed optimism for a successful tour of Australia for both Kohli and Sharma, stating, “Hopefully, those two guys will have a successful tour and more importantly, as a team, we will have a successful tour.” The ODI World Cup is still two and a half years away, and Gambhir believes prioritizing current performance is crucial. India faces a demanding international schedule, including the Australia series, followed by T20Is against the same opponent, and then a comprehensive home series against South Africa. Gambhir acknowledged the challenges players face balancing all three formats but highlighted the value of adequate preparation, citing the success of Test players preparing through India A matches and upcoming Ranji Trophy fixtures as vital for performance. He described professionalism as adapting to quick turnarounds between formats and emphasized the importance of domestic cricket for players focusing on Test matches. Regarding the pressures of coaching amidst continuous travel and upcoming major tournaments like the T20 World Cup and World Test Championship, Gambhir maintained that a coach’s success is intrinsically linked to the team’s performance. He stated, “When you play, you can control a lot of things… But in my hands, if you don’t get the results, I will face the criticism.” Gambhir believes a coach’s role is to work honestly, foster a positive environment, ensure player security, and make sound decisions for Indian cricket, acknowledging that ultimate performance lies with the players. He concluded by emphasizing that both coaches and captains are judged by their team’s results.
