In a major decision with an eye on the future, Shubman Gill has been appointed as India’s One-Day International (ODI) captain ahead of the upcoming series against Australia. This move is widely seen as a strategic step by the Indian selectors as they begin planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Gill, one of the brightest young stars in world cricket, will now have a clear runway to establish himself as a leader in the 50-over format. The idea is to give him enough time and experience before the next World Cup cycle culminates in 2027.
AB de Villiers on Gill’s Captaincy and the Future of Kohli and Rohit
Former South Africa captain and RCB legend AB de Villiers weighed in on the development, backing the decision to make Shubman Gill the ODI skipper. While he acknowledged the presence of seasoned veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the squad, he made it clear that their places in the 2027 World Cup are far from guaranteed.
“It’s not a guarantee both of them will be there for that next World Cup. That’s maybe part of the thinking when they made Shubman Gill the ODI captain. He has a good chance of being there—young gun, in incredible form, and a fantastic leader,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
He praised the decision to retain Kohli and Rohit in the squad for now, highlighting the learning opportunity for Gill. “I think this was the right move, to still have Rohit and Virat. Shubman Gill will learn from two of the most experienced Indian players of all time—high-quality, legendary players. It will be fantastic for Shubman to have them around,” he added.
Will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Play in the 2027 World Cup?
With both players having stepped away from Test and T20I formats, their future in ODIs is under the spotlight. The last time Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma played for India was in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025. Since then, they haven’t featured in competitive cricket, with their most recent appearances coming in the IPL 2025 season.
De Villiers believes the duo still hopes to feature in one last World Cup for India but stresses that nothing is guaranteed. “I think the reason they are hanging on is to play another World Cup for Team India. Whether it’s going to happen, I don’t know. It will take a lot from them to be there in 2027.”
He emphasized that the road to 2027 will be tough, with intense competition and the need to consistently perform. “There’s lots of cricket to be played and form to be kept. They’ve got to score runs, and that should be the message from the selectors. The kind of competition Team India has these days and the quality, these two know they have to go out and perform.”
India will next be in action in the three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19. That series could offer a glimpse into the team’s transitional phase—with Shubman Gill leading the charge, and the experienced duo of Kohli and Rohit aiming to prove they still belong at the top.
