India’s legendary batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma may be nearing the end of their ODI careers as former selector Devang Gandhi urges the team management to prioritize grooming young talent ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The upcoming ODI series against Australia in October could mark a turning point for these stalwarts.
Why Former Selector Devang Gandhi Believes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Should Step Aside for India’s ODI Future
The debate surrounding the ODI future of Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has gained momentum as reports suggest that India’s forthcoming ODI series against Australia in October 2025 might be the last for both these stalwarts in the 50-over format. Despite their impressive track records and current form, there are growing voices within the cricket fraternity, including former BCCI selector Devang Gandhi, urging the selectors and team management to start preparing for the future by giving opportunities to younger players.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been the backbone of India’s batting lineup for over a decade, consistently delivering match-winning performances on the biggest stages. However, with the ODI World Cup 2027 around the corner, the cricket board and team strategists face a critical decision: continue with the veterans or fast-track promising youngsters to build a fresh, dynamic team.
Devang Gandhi, who served as a member of the BCCI selection committee, recently spoke to the Times of India about this transitional phase. He stressed the importance of giving players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Rishabh Pant a greater role in the ODI setup. According to Gandhi, these youngsters have already demonstrated adaptability and skills that make them ready for international challenges.
Gandhi emphasized, “How will you make players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan, among others, sit out when they have shown how well they can adapt? The bigger transition is from T20s to Tests. Once a player has done well in Test cricket and has the power game, ODIs should come easier to them. It is very important that the selectors and the team management sit together and take a call.”
While the BCCI has not officially announced any plans regarding Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ’s futures in ODIs, reports indicate that if the duo wishes to continue, they may need to prove themselves again in domestic cricket. Gandhi, however, argues that such a path might not be realistic given the urgency to nurture younger talent well before the 2027 World Cup. He pointed out that waiting too long to replace the veterans could leave insufficient time to prepare the next generation adequately.
Gandhi explained, “If, say, in a year’s time, we come to a situation where one of them is not firing and we need a replacement, the team management may not have enough time to prepare a player for the job.”
Acknowledging the immense contributions of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Indian cricket, Gandhi added, “There’s absolutely no doubt about the contribution of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. But time doesn’t wait for anybody.”
This perspective reflects the complex balancing act Indian cricket now faces: respecting the legacy of two of the game’s greatest batsmen while ensuring a smooth transition to secure India’s dominance in the ODI format for years to come. With the October 2025 ODI series against Australia fast approaching, the selectors and team management will have to make some tough but strategic decisions to shape the future of Indian cricket.
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FAQ
Q1: Why are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI careers potentially ending soon?
A1: Reports suggest that the Indian cricket board wants to focus on grooming younger players for the 2027 ODI World Cup, and the October 2025 series against Australia may be their last in ODIs.
Q2: Who is urging the selectors to move on from Kohli and Rohit in ODIs?
A2: Former BCCI selector Devang Gandhi has publicly stated that it’s important to give chances to younger players to ensure a smooth transition.
Q3: Which young players are expected to replace them in the ODI squad?
A3: Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Rishabh Pant are considered promising talents ready to take up bigger roles.
Q4: Is there an official announcement from BCCI regarding Kohli and Rohit’s ODI future?
A4: As of now, there is no official announcement from BCCI, but reports indicate that continuing in ODIs might require performing well in domestic cricket.
Q5: What impact could this transition have on India’s ODI team?
A5: Transitioning early allows young players to gain experience and prepares the team well ahead of major tournaments like the 2027 World Cup, securing India’s competitive edge.
