New Delhi. The picture is still not clear regarding the two biggest names of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup. After retiring from Test cricket last year, the future of these two legendary batsmen has been a subject of constant discussion. Rohit and Virat, who have already retired from T20 International, are now playing only one format, ODI, for Team India, in which both of their bats are doing well. Despite this, till now no clear indication has been received from the team management as to what the management is thinking about him regarding playing in the ODI World Cup to be held in South Africa. Neither the team's head coach Gautam Gambhir has said anything clearly on this nor has any statement come from the chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
What did Yuvraj say?
All-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who was an important part of the 2011 World Cup winning Indian team, has expressed his views regarding the preparations of Team India for the upcoming World Cup. He believes that Kohli and Rohit still have the ability to play the 2027 World Cup. However, he asked the management to clarify the situation regarding his future. Yuvraj also said that head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have a big responsibility of preparing young players. Giving an example, Yuvraj mentioned Yashasvi Jaiswal and said that despite scoring a century in his last ODI, he is not able to make a regular place in the team.
What did Yuvraj say about Rohit-Virat and Jaiswal?
Yuvraj told Sports Tak, 'It is very important to clarify the situation for the players who are at the last stage of their career. The captain, coach and selectors should sit with those players and explain to them how they are looking at things. The conversation may not have gone well, but at least you tried your best. Just look at Yashasvi Jaiswal, he had scored a century in his last ODI, but right now he is sitting out. When will you prepare Jaiswal? There is World Cup next year.
He further said, 'If you are going to the World Cup, you should have played many matches. I am not saying that you should drop anyone from the team. But if you are going to play the 2027 ODI World Cup, then you should start preparing your team from now. You have to give him a chance to play many matches. Take a decision, lest one of your senior players gets injured at the last minute and there is no young player available to take his place.
'We should sit and talk to Rohit-Virat'
The former all-rounder believes that if India has to win the 2027 World Cup, then it is necessary to prepare the squad from now on. Players will have to be given enough opportunities so that the team does not become unbalanced if a senior player is suddenly out. Amidst the ongoing speculations about the future of Kohli and Rohit, Yuvraj clearly said that there should be open talks with senior players. He says that even if the conversation is difficult, the players must know what the team management is thinking ahead. This will neither create any confusion nor sour relationships.
Yuvi, who has played with Virat-Rohit, said, 'The last series has been tremendous for Virat Kohli. Rohit is also performing well continuously. If such a situation arises in the next one and a half years, it should not happen that your second line is not ready. Nowadays, ODI cricket is not played much. Whoever you choose to feed, make sure you give them enough time to play.
Yuvraj said, 'Senior players are important. I don't know what is going on in the minds of Rohit and Virat. It seems they are thinking about the World Cup. But I think he and the selectors will have to take this decision together. There should be complete clarity in this. You all should sit in one room and talk to each other. This is difficult. If someone tells you that they are looking forward to the future, you may not be able to accept that easily, but after a year, you will definitely appreciate that someone had told you everything clearly in advance.
