Former selector Devang Gandhi slams BCCI's uncertain approach to Virat Kohli (39) and Rohit Sharma (40) for 2027 ODI World Cup, urging them as squad core with 20-player pool. Amid form doubts and domestic mandates, he warns scattered planning risks repeating 2019/2023 semifinal collapses.
BCCI faces backlash over 2027 World Cup roadmap for ODI-only stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both excelling vs South Africa/Australia post-retirements. Coach Gautam Gambhir emphasizes "present" focus amid fitness/form concerns, prompting domestic mandates like Vijay Hazare Trophy. Yet ex-selector Devang Gandhi demands stability: build around veterans, limit pool to 20, develop No.4 specialist to avoid past failures.
Gandhi cites 2019 semifinal implosion and 2023's SKY gamble, stressing experience trumps youth experiments with India's 2011 drought lingering. Ravi Shastri echoes: don't "mess" with proven chasers. Kohli asserts mental prep suffices; BCCI clarifies no coercion.
Debate intensifies pre-New Zealand ODIs.
Key Highlights
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Gandhi's call: Kohli-Rohit core; 20-player pool, No.4 focus
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Risks: 2019/2023 repeats without stability
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BCCI stance: Non-committal; domestic play urged
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Veterans' form: Kohli 302 runs vs SA; Rohit solid
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Support: Shastri warns against disrupting duo
Sources: Hindustan Times, InsideSport