"ODI World Cup is two years away" - Gautam Gambhir downplays hype around Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's chances of playing ICC event

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir hailed the veteran duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their stellar performance in the ODI series against South Africa. He was, however, non-committal over the chances of the two superstar batters featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup, urging it is important to stay in the present.

Both Kohli and Rohit played key roles in India's 2-1 ODI series win over South Africa. While the former was named Player of the Series for scoring 302 runs at an average of 151 and a strike rate of 117.05, the Hitman contributed 146 runs, averaging 48.67 at a strike rate of 110.61.

Speaking at a press conference after India's thumping nine-wicket win in the third ODI in Visakhapatnam, Gambhir praised 'RoKo' and said (via Indian Express):

“They are world-class players and their experience is important in the dressing room. They’ve been doing it for a long time. Hopefully, they can continue doing the same, which is going to be important in the 50-over format."

Asked about the 2027 ODI World Cup hopes of the superstar duo, Gambhir was a lot more cautious and replied:

"First you got to realize that the ODI World Cup is two years away. It’s important to stay in the present, and that young boys coming into the set-up grab their opportunities."

Bowling first after winning the toss in the third ODI in Visakhapatnam, India restricted South Africa to 270 in 47.5 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal then scored an unbeaten 116, while Rohit (75) and Kohli (65* off 45) contributed half-centuries as India romped home in 39.5 overs.

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"Grabbed that opportunity with both hands" - Gautam Gambhir hails Ruturaj Gaikwad

While Rohit and Kohli played major roles in Team India's ODI series win, Ruturaj Gaikwad also grabbed his opportunity, scoring a sublime ton in the second one-dayer in Raipur. Praising Gaikwad for succeeding despite batting out of position, Gambhir stated:

"Someone like Rutu, who's batted out of position... He's a quality player, we all know. We wanted to give him an opportunity in this series because of the kind of form he was in with India A. And he actually grabbed that opportunity with both hands, getting a hundred in the second game. And when we were under pressure actually - we were 40 for 2 - and then getting that kind of a hundred was proper quality."

Gambhir admitted that the likes of Gaikwad and Jaiswal will find themselves out of the playing XI once regulars like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer return. He, however, asserted that the youngsters will be given chances as and when an opening is available since they want to build a strong pool for the next World Cup.

"Look, we try and give [new players] opportunities wherever we can. Because we still want a reasonable group… probably around 20-25 players in that group before the World Cup. But once your captain and vice-captain is back, obviously they are your starters. But yes, what they [Jaiswal and Gaikwad] had to do [with their opportunities], they have done that," the Indian coach commented.

"Hopefully whenever it is possible, we will try and give them opportunities. And more importantly, I think they need to keep themselves motivated because they should be ready whenever they get that opportunity," Gambhir concluded.

Gill missed the ODI series after suffering a neck injury during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. He will make a comeback during the T20Is. Shreyas is out of action due to a severe spleen injury he suffered while fielding in Australia.