The BCCI’s move to hand over the ODI captaincy from Rohit Sharma to Shubman Gill marks a pivotal moment, potentially signaling the twilight of the careers of Sharma and Virat Kohli. This isn’t a standalone decision, and the selectors’ statements point towards the 2027 ODI World Cup being a distant dream for these Indian cricket legends. Age is a consideration, with Sharma set to be 40 and Kohli 38 at the tournament. However, the biggest challenge is the lack of consistent match practice. With both players having moved away from Tests and T20Is, ODIs are now their sole international format. Maintaining top form and fitness over the next two years without regular competitive cricket poses a significant hurdle. Their non-participation in domestic tournaments intensifies the concerns. Sunil Gavaskar supported the decision to appoint Gill as captain, indicating that Sharma may have also accepted that it was time for a transition. India has at least 27 ODIs scheduled before the 2027 World Cup, hinting at a strategic plan that may exclude the experienced duo. Gavaskar observed that Sharma’s limited ODI appearances could affect his preparation for a major tournament. He stressed the need to prepare a young captain for the future and this was the rationale behind the selection committee’s decision. Gavaskar noted that the players are aware that they need to play more in domestic tournaments to get ready.
