Former India batter Yuvraj Singh feels the national team’s leadership should put clear, upfront boundaries around the roles of senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as India move toward the 2027 ODI World Cup. In Yuvraj’s view, players of that calibre should not be left in a prolonged state of uncertainty at a stage when career planning matters most. With Rohit and Kohli having stepped away from Tests and T20 Internationals to concentrate on the 50-over format, their place in India’s ODI plans remains significant even as the side looks to transition.
Speaking on Sports Tak, Yuvraj said the process needs to be built on direct dialogue between head coach Gautam Gambhir, the selectors, and the two experienced players. He noted that Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, the chair of selectors, have not yet offered a definitive response on whether Rohit and Kohli are expected to feature at the ODI World Cup next year.
“I’m not sure what’s happening in their minds. They (Rohit and Kohli) look committed to playing the World Cup, but ultimately the call has to be taken by them and by the selectors, who will decide the future. My point is that they are such exceptional players—there has to be clarity,” Yuvraj said.
Yuvraj also argued that uncomfortable conversations are sometimes necessary and preferable to vague messaging. “You should be able to sit down in a room and speak openly. It’s especially hard at that stage of your career. You might not enjoy hearing that the team is planning ahead, but a year later you’ll understand why it was said—at least someone told you the truth directly. That doesn’t really happen in Indian cricket,” he added.
On current form, Yuvraj pointed out that both Rohit and Kohli have continued to deliver in ODIs. Kohli returned to the summit of the ICC ODI rankings at the start of 2026. He also produced a major showing against South Africa, compiling 302 runs across three matches at an average of 151, with a strike rate above 117.
Rohit’s ODI campaign has also been productive. He struck 202 runs in three matches during Australia, averaging 101, including a century in Sydney that helped him regain the No. 1 position in the ODI rankings at the age of 38. However, he found it tougher in the subsequent home series against New Zealand, managing 61 runs at an average of 20.33.
Yuvraj said the conversation should shift away from repeatedly debating individual names and toward building a distinct, well-communicated plan for the 2027 World Cup. He urged the management to take a clear decision and then communicate it not only to the senior group but also to upcoming players.
“I don’t want any cricketer who has represented the country for so many years to be stuck in a situation where nobody sits down and lays out the plan clearly. Either commit to them for the World Cup and back them fully, or tell them the team is looking at younger options. Someone has to say it—tell them the reality. I feel that should take place after this IPL,” Yuvraj stated.
He further stressed the importance of preparing younger talent well before the tournament. Yashasvi Jaiswal was cited as an example. “For those at the end of their careers, giving clarity is extremely important. The captain, the coach, and the selectors should sit with the players and explain how they are viewing things. The discussion might not go smoothly, but at least you attempted it on your side. Look at Yashasvi Jaiswal—he scored a century in his last ODI, yet he is sitting out. So when will you groom Jaiswal? You have the World Cup next year,” Yuvraj told Sports Tak.
Yuvraj added that World Cup planning must start early enough to ensure players are match-ready and not forced into preparation at the last moment. “If you’re going to the World Cup, you should have played multiple games. I’m not saying you must drop someone. But if you’re selecting for the 2027 ODI World Cup, you need to start preparing your squad now. You have to give them opportunities. Make the decision—otherwise it can’t happen at the last minute, where one of your senior players gets injured and there’s no young player ready,” he concluded.
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