Gautam Gambhir hints at uncertain ODI future for Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

2025-10-14

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Tuesday opened up about the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Both Kohli and Sharma have now retired from Tests and T20Is; ODI cricket is the only international format that remains for the Indian greats, with the pair aiming for ultimate success at the 2027 showpiece tournament, which will be held in southern Africa.

When pressed on whether he expected the duo to be in contention for a potential swansong in 24 months time, Gambhir said: The 50-over World Cup is still two and a half years away.

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I think it is very important to stay in the present. That is something which is very important.

Obviously they are quality players, and their experience will be valuable in Australia. Hopefully, those two guys will have a successful tour. And more importantly, as a team, we will have a successful series.

Kohli and Sharma are part of Indias 15-man ODI squad that faces the Aussies in three matches in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney on October 19, 23, and 25.

That squad will be led by recently appointed Test skipper Shubman Gill, who will take the full-time reins of the 50-over side for the first time in this series.

Earlier, opener KL Rahul hit an unbeaten 58 as India beat the West Indies by seven wickets in the second Test to sweep the series 2-0 on Tuesday.

Chasing 121 for victory, India resumed on 63-1 and reached their target in the first session after losing two wickets on Day Five at Delhis Arun Jaitley Stadium.

West Indies skipper Roston Chase struck twice with his off-spin to send back overnight batter Sai Sudharsan for 39 and skipper Shubman Gill for 13.

Rahul hit the winning four, and India celebrated victory over the visitors, who had launched a spirited fightback while following on.

Indias left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav returned a match haul of eight wickets, including 5-82 in the first West Indies innings.