Former India selector Devang Gandhi has sent a clear message to coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar about planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He wants the team management to build their strategy around Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are still performing at the highest level in the format.

Former selector’s advice to Gambhir and Agarkar

Devang Gandhi, who served as a national selector, believes the team management should revolve their World Cup planning around Rohit and Kohli as long as they are performing well. He stressed that the board needs to stick to a pool of not more than 20 players from now until the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. This approach would give everyone clarity about their roles and enough time to settle into the team.

Gandhi pointed to past mistakes, recalling how India struggled to find a settled No. 4 batter leading up to the 2019 World Cup. When the top order collapsed in the semifinal against New Zealand, no one was ready to handle the pressure. He also mentioned the 2023 World Cup, where the team was forced to play Suryakumar Yadav, who didn’t have a strong ODI record at that time.

BCCI’s uncertain stance on 2027 plans

Despite the superb recent form of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODIs, the BCCI has not confirmed whether they are part of the plans for the 2027 World Cup. Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir have both said that the tournament is too far away to make any clear statements about the future of these two veterans. This wait-and-see approach has left fans and experts wondering whether the board is considering younger options or sticking with experience.

Rohit was named Player of the Series during India’s recent ODI tour of Australia, while Kohli won the same award in the home series against South Africa with 302 runs, including two centuries. Both players have retired from Tests and T20Is but continue to dominate in the 50-over format.

Need to give backups enough game time

Gandhi also highlighted the importance of giving backup players enough opportunities so they are ready when needed. He specifically mentioned Rishabh Pant, who has not played a match in the recent ODI series against South Africa despite being part of the squad. If KL Rahul suffers an injury during the World Cup, Pant or another wicketkeeper must have sufficient game time to step in confidently.

Gandhi recalled how Pant came into the 2019 World Cup with just five ODI matches under his belt, which wasn’t ideal preparation. He suggested that if there is a chance to play both Pant and Rahul together in the same XI, the management should explore that option to ensure both stay match-ready.

Building a stable middle order

Another concern raised by Gandhi was the need to identify and stick with clear backup options for each position. If the management sees Ruturaj Gaikwad as Shreyas Iyer’s backup, then that role should remain consistent. Constantly shuffling players in and out creates confusion and doesn’t allow anyone to settle into their role properly.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup set to be held in South Africa, India will also need to prepare for conditions that are very different from home. Starting this planning process now, with a fixed core group and clear backups, will help avoid last-minute experiments and panic decisions closer to the tournament.