India captain Shubman Gill discusses 2027 World Cup planning with Virat Kohli

By Rohan Gupta — 14 July 2026 — 4 min read

Planning for the 2027 World Cup

India captain Shubman Gill has revealed that he has initiated discussions with Virat Kohli regarding the team’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. These conversations have focused on identifying the optimal squad composition and player combinations suitable for the conditions expected in South Africa.

The discussions between Gill and Kohli have covered various aspects, including potential players who might not currently be in the squad but could contribute in the future. They have also deliberated on the ideal mix of bowlers, all-rounders, and spinners for the upcoming tournament. This forward-looking approach underscores the team’s commitment to long-term planning for major ICC events.

Gill, who assumed captaincy duties in the ODI format late last year, emphasised that every series from this point forward will be crucial for fine-tuning combinations and preparing for the conditions in South Africa. He stated that the mindset is to find a combination that performs well in environments similar to those anticipated for the World Cup.

The skipper also highlighted the importance of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, describing them as the backbone of India‘s batting lineup. He noted their valuable experience and skill, which have been consistently demonstrated across various conditions and tournaments over the past decade.

The importance of the 50-over format

Shubman Gill has voiced strong support for the continuation of One-day Internationals, advocating for the 50-over format to remain unchanged. He dismissed suggestions of reducing the format to 40 overs, asserting that the 50-over World Cup represents the pinnacle of ODI cricket.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Gill mentioned growing up watching 50-over cricket, which he considers an integral part of his childhood. He believes that when people think of the World Cup, the 50-over version is often the first that comes to mind, making it the most prestigious title to win.

Instead of altering the format, Gill proposed that reintroducing multi-nation tournaments, such as triangular or quadrangular series, could enhance the appeal of ODI cricket for both players and fans. He recalled the enjoyment of watching past triangular series involving teams like India, Australia, and Sri Lanka, suggesting that playing against different teams at various venues could make bilateral cricket more engaging.

The India team is set to begin a three-match ODI series against England at Edgbaston. This series marks the start of their journey towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team aims to regain momentum after a challenging period in white-ball cricket, which included a 2-0 loss in Ireland and a 4-0 defeat in the T20I series against England.

Squad dynamics and challenges

The road to the 2027 ODI World Cup presents several challenges for India, particularly concerning the fitness of their all-rounders. Key players such as Hardik Pandya are currently not part of the squad, and others like Nitish K Reddy and Harshit Rana have faced injury setbacks.

The return of Jasprit Bumrah to the ODI squad after being rested to manage his workload following IPL 2026 has been welcomed. Gill expressed optimism that Bumrah will perform well in the upcoming series, contributing to the team’s success.

The team’s top five batting positions are largely settled with players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul. However, the all-rounder slots and their fitness remain a significant concern. The form of Kuldeep Yadav and the potential return of Hardik Pandya are also being closely monitored.

Over the next 14 months, India has 12 ODIs scheduled, including away series against England and New Zealand, and home series against Sri Lanka and the West Indies. These matches will be crucial for finalising the main 15-player squad and backup options for the World Cup.

Gill also extended congratulations to the Indian women’s team for their historic 270-run victory over England in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s, acknowledging it as a proud moment for India.

The skipper noted that while the team has faced some unfortunate injuries, the upcoming series provide opportunities for players to gain experience in high-pressure situations, which is vital for World Cup preparation. The Indian team will kick off their ODI World Cup preparations in England.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter