Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has urged the BCCI to clarify the roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He stressed the importance of preparing the squad early and grooming young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal to ensure a balanced and ready team for the future.
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has urged the BCCI selectors to clarify on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s roles ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The 14th edition of the marquee event will take place in October-November next year, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been scintiallting form in the recent ODI series, piling up runs against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. The Indian batting stalwarts retired from T20Is and Tests, and focused only on ODIs, intending to extend their illustrious international career till the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit and Kohli’s participation in the recent ODI series against Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand indicates that both are aiming to stay match-ready and maintain form for the 2027 World Cup, while being in contention for India’s long-term ODI plans in the build-up to the marquee event.
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Yuvraj Singh Urges Clarity on Senior Players’ Roles
With the ODI World Cup taking place next year, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s exact roles and participation are uncertain, prompting Yuvraj Singh to call for clear communication from the selectors and team management, especially regarding the grooming and opportunities for young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal.
“The players who are at the end of their careers, giving clarity is very important. The captain, coach, and selectors should sit with the guys and explain how they are looking at things. The conversation might not go well, but at least you tried on your end,” the two-time World Cup winner said on Sports Tak Podcast.
“Look at Yashasvi Jaiswal; he scored a century in his last ODI, but he is sitting out. When will you groom Jaiswal? You have the World Cup next year,” he added.
Yashavi Jaiswal scored his maiden ODI century in the third ODI against South Africa in Visakhapatnam. The young batter was picked for the ODI series against New Zealand, but didn’t get a single match despite a century in the final ODI against South Africa. Despite being consistent in red-ball cricket, Jaiswal hasn’t been given enough opportunities in limited-overs cricket,
Preparing Squad Early Key for 2027 World Cup
Further speaking on the squad preparations for the marquee event, the former India all-rounder has stressed that the selectors and team management must provide ample time to the senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to prepare, adding that the reliance solely on Kohli and Rohit without grooming young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal could leave India vulnerable if injuries or form slumps hit during the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“If you are going to the World Cup, you should have played several games. I am not saying you should drop someone,” Yuvraj Singh said.
“But if you’re playing the 2027 ODI World Cup, you need to start preparing your squad now. You need to give them many games. Take a decision, it shouldn’t happen at the last minute that one of your senior players gets injured and there’s no young player,” he added.
By the time the ODI World Cup begins, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be 40 and 39, respectively, making it crucial for the selectors and team management to balance experience with young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal to ensure team depth and readiness for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Also Read: Why Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Should Remain Central to India’s 2027 World Cup Plans?
‘There Has To Be Clarity’
The former India all-rounder, who was part of three ODI World Cups in 2003, 2007, and 2011, further stressed that clear communication between senior players, selectors, and team management is essential to avoid any confusion while building a squad for the 2027 World Cup.
“Virat Kohli has had a superb series. Rohit has been performing consistently. If a situation comes up in the next 1.5 years, it shouldn’t be that your second line isn’t ready. Now, ODI cricket isn’t played as much. Whoever you want to play, make sure you give them enough time,” Yuvraj said.
“Senior players are important. I don’t know what is going on in Rohit and Virat’s minds. It looks like they’re thinking of the World Cup. But I think that’s the call they and the selectors need to take.
“There has to be clarity. You should be able to sit in a room and discuss things. It’s tough. If someone tells you they are looking ahead, you won’t be able to take it, but one year down the line, you’d appreciate that someone gave you clarity,” he concluded.
Team India will play 15 ODI matches across five series against Afghanistan, England, West Indies, New Zealandm and Sri Lanka after the conclusion of the ongoing IPL 2026, and Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to remain central to the team’s preparations for the marquee event.