As Indian cricket looks to transition into a new era following the retirement of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, speculation is building over their roles in white-ball formats — particularly the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
But Sunil Gavaskar was blunt about their chances of making that squad.
“I don’t think they’ll be playing,” Gavaskar told Sports Today, adding, “To be honest, unless they hit a golden patch, scoring hundreds consistently, I don’t see them being part of the 2027 squad. But if they do, even God can’t drop them.”
While acknowledging their immense contributions to Indian cricket — including their leadership roles and recent triumph in the Champions Trophy — Gavaskar made clear that performance, not reputation, will drive future selections.
“The selectors will need to ask themselves whether the two can still make the kind of difference they have in the past,” Gavaskar said. “If the answer is yes, then they’ll certainly be picked.”
Test exits on their terms
Kohli and Rohit’s simultaneous Test retirements raised eyebrows, but Gavaskar praised the timing and the dignity with which they exited the format.
“For two great cricketers to retire on their own terms is what everyone hoped for—and that’s exactly what has happened,” he said. “They’ve walked away after telling the world they’re done.”
Their departure from red-ball cricket signals a generational shift, prompting fresh conversations around leadership and succession planning across all formats.
Backing Agarkar and bold calls
Gavaskar also lauded chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s approach, emphasizing the need for decisiveness in shaping India’s future squads.
“You need someone who’s willing to take hard calls for the good of the team,” Gavaskar noted. “That’s how you move forward, not in a sluggish way but with intent.”
Bumrah tipped as next Test captain
Among the most eye-catching endorsements from Gavaskar was his pick for India’s next red-ball leader: ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
“For me, it has to be Bumrah,” he said. “If someone else leads, they may overuse him. But as captain, Bumrah can manage his own spells, knowing exactly when to bowl and when to rest.”
Gavaskar suggested Bumrah’s tactical understanding and self-awareness make him uniquely qualified for the role, especially in an era where fast bowlers often face workload management issues.
Rohit’s legacy: elegance over milestones
Reflecting on Rohit Sharma’s career, Gavaskar highlighted the Mumbai batter’s aesthetic appeal and unselfish approach to the game.
“People might argue he could’ve achieved more, but Rohit played with freedom and elegance,” Gavaskar said. “Even after settling in, he took risks. That may have cost him centuries, but it’s also what made him a delight to watch.”
India at a crossroads
With the ODI World Cup cycle in transition, leadership roles up for grabs, and senior players stepping away from the longest format, Indian cricket stands at a critical juncture. Gavaskar’s comments reinforce the need for performance-based selection, bold decision-making, and a willingness to embrace a new generation — even if it means letting go of legends.
