The head coach, Gautam Gambhir, remains pessimistic about the place of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Both stars, who donned the Indian jersey during the victorious Champions Trophy 2025 campaign earlier this year in the UAE, will return to action in the ODI leg of the white-ball tour of Australia.

Gautam Gambhir’s comment came when he addressed the media at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, where India secured a 7 wicket victory in the second test claiming a 2-0 clean sweep in the series.

The Indian head coach echoed chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s stance on the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, thus downplaying newly announced ODI skipper Shubman Gill’s recent praise for the veteran duo.

The Indian head coach hinted that he would rather approach the situation game by game rather than making a long term decision regarding the stalwarts.

“2027 World Cup is 2.5 years away. It’s important to stay in the present. Kohli and Rohit are both quality players. Hopefully, they have a successful tour in Australia,” said Gautam Gambhir.

Earlier this month Ajit Agarkar avoided confirming whether Virat Kohli and Rohit remains part of India’s long-term ODI World Cup plans, even though both were included for the Australia series.

While the statement was instantly became the hot topic, a media report claiming that the series will be a ‘perform or perish’ contest for the two.

However, Shubman Gill‘s first press conference since becoming the ODI captain said that the team needs their experience and match-winning ability in the ICC tournament.

Gautam Gambhir’s comment came after shortly after Kohli returned to India after a four month period. Following the conclusion of the IPL 2025, where he clinched maiden IPL title for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he left for London with his wife and two children.

He trained in the England for the ODI series in the India’s tour of Australia 2025 and even his mandatory pre-season fitness test conducted there.

On the other hand, Rohit Sharma trained initially at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru last month, before having his practice sessions at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park under the watchful eyes of former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar.

The Indian team is set to leave for Australia on October 15 with the ODI series will begins on October 19 at Optus Stadium.