The ongoing debate about the ODI future of two Indian cricket legends, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, has caught the attention of the sports world. The series against Australia in October is said to be their last. Both are in good form, but reports say Rohit and Virat are not in the plan for the ODI World Cup 2027.
Former BCCI selection committee member Devang Gandhi believes these experienced players should be removed, and youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudarshan should get a chance in ODIs. Gandhi told the Times of India, “How can you leave out players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Sai Sudarshan? They have shown they can adapt well to different formats. The big change is from T20 to Test cricket. Once a player does well in Test cricket and has a strong game, ODIs should become easier for them. It is very important that the selectors and team management sit together and make a decision.”
Gandhi’s Views on Young Players and Kohli-Rohit’s Future
Gandhi told the Times of India, “How can you leave out players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Sai Sudarshan? They have shown how well they can adapt to the format. The big change is from T20 to Tests. Once a player performs well in Test cricket and has a power game, then ODIs should become easier for them. It is very important that the selectors and team management sit together and make a decision.”
BCCI Decision and Future of Kohli and Rohit
The BCCI has not made any official decision yet. Reports say if Kohli and Rohit want to continue in the 50-over format, they will have to play domestic cricket. Gandhi thinks this is difficult because it is important to prepare youngsters for the ODI World Cup, especially if Virat and Rohit do not show good form before the event.
Gandhi said, “If in a year one of them is not performing well, we need a replacement. Then the team management will not have enough time to prepare the new player. There is no doubt about the contribution of Rohit and Virat. But time waits for no one.”