Gautam Gambhir On WC 2027 Squad: "Stay In Present" After Gaikwad, Jaiswal Centuries vs SA
India head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed speculation about Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ODI World Cup 2027 prospects with a no-nonsense response: “ODI World Cup is two years away… most important thing is to stay in the present.” Post India’s dominant 9-wicket series-clinching win over South Africa in Visakhapatnam (chasing 271 in 39.5 overs), Gambhir focused on youngsters grabbing chances amid injuries to Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
Gaikwad And Jaiswal Impress In Kohli’s Shadow
Ruturaj Gaikwad silenced doubters with 105 off 83 (Raipur, under pressure at 40/2)—his maiden ODI ton batting out-of-position. Gambhir praised: “Quality player… grabbed opportunity with both hands… proper quality hundred.” Selected for India A form, Gaikwad elevated middle-order options.
Yashasvi Jaiswal notched maiden ODI century (116* off 121, 12x4, 3x6) in fourth game, earning Player of the Match. Rohit Sharma’s 75 opened 155-run stand. Gambhir: “Seen his Test quality… start of white-ball career… massive future ahead, like Ruturaj.”
Kohli (Player of Series, back-to-back tons + 65*) looms large, but Gambhir eyes depth.
Series Context: India’s 2-1 Triumph
Match | Result | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|
1st ODI Ranchi | India won by 17 runs (349) | Kohli 135 (52nd ton) |
2nd ODI Raipur | SA won by 4 wkts (chased 358) | Markram ton; Kohli 102, Gaikwad 105 |
3rd ODI Vizag | India won by 9 wkts (271 in 39.5) | Jaiswal 116*, Rohit 75, Kohli 65* |
KL Rahul-led side broke 20-toss curse, bowled first (Prasidh 4/66, Kuldeep 4/41 restricted SA 270). Gambhir: “Young boys grabbing opportunities… stay consistent.”
Gambhir’s Future-Focus Philosophy
Avoiding 2027 hypotheticals, Gambhir emphasized process: sharpen fielding, build depth. Injuries opened doors; Gaikwad/Jaiswal capitalized. Kohli’s form unquestioned, but transition signals brewing.
India sweeps momentum into T20Is vs SA; Gambhir’s “present” mantra guides long WC build.