AB de Villiers backs BCCI's move to name Shubman Gill ODI captain; Unsure if Rohit-Virat will play ODI WC in 2027

The BCCI recently named Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma.

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has welcomed the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to name Shubman Gill the next India ODI skipper. He also indicated that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not certain to play in ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

The BCCI made a big statement when chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the India squads for the ODI and T20I series in Australia. Shubman Gill, the test captain and T20I vice-captain, will succeed Rohit Sharma as the ODI captain.

“It’s not a guarantee that both of them will be there for that next World Cup. That’s maybe part of the thinking when they made Shubman Gill the ODI captain. He has a good chance of being there, young gun, in incredible form, and a fantastic leader. I think this was the right move, to still have Rohit and Virat. Shubman Gill will learn from two of the most experienced Indian players of all time, high-quality, legendary players. It will be fantastic for Shubman to have them around. It will be for the tour, which is around the corner, actually. So, we will be buckling up for some high entertainment and a great series,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. Both the legends have retired from T20Is and tests and only play ODIs.

“It will take a lot from them.”- AB de Villiers on whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will play in the 2027 World Cup

Rohit Sharma made a game-winning 76 in the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand, while Virat Kohli had scored a century against Pakistan and 84 against Australia in the semi-final.

De Villiers talked about the likelihood that Rohit and Kohli would play in another ODI World Cup. He stated that while the two stalwarts are still interested, much will depend on their shape and fitness. He went on to say that even legends must earn their place by consistently exceeding expectations until 2027.

“They find themselves on the ODI side. I think that is the reason they are hanging on, to play another World Cup for Team India. It’s great to see. Whether it’s going to happen, I don’t know. Honestly? Form-dependent, or are they playing enough cricket? It will take a lot from them to be there in 2027. Still a long way away. It’s not that far, but it’s not so close. There’s a lot of cricket to be played and form to be kept. They’ve got to score runs, and that should be the message from the selectors. As big as legends they are, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will walk into my team, and I will play them without looking at where they’ve been or what they’ve been doing,” he added.

De Villiers added that Rohit and Kohli will be kept on their toes, as the competition for spots in the Indian team is very high. But he also stressed that Rohit and Kohli’s presence in the Indian dressing room will be a huge bonus for youngsters, as they’ll receive guidance and comfort.

“But with the kind of competition Team India has these days and the quality, these two know they have to go out and score runs. It would be a great asset for Team India in the World Cup to have them there. But the priority is to score runs. I have no doubt the two of them will come through, and we will see them at the 2027 World Cup. They will also guide a lot of youngsters along the way and help Shubman to become a great captain,” he added.

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