Shubman Gill 2027 World Cup Boosted by Rohit and Virat | Ahmedabad : ICC Cricket World Cup Match Between India And Pakistan

Shubman Gill 2027 World Cup Boosted by Rohit and Virat

As India begin preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, former India all-rounder Suresh Raina believes captain Shubman Gill will have a significant advantage with experienced campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still part of the ODI setup.

The two modern-day legends may have stepped away from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, but their importance in the 50-over format remains undeniable. According to Raina, their presence could play a defining role in India's pursuit of another World Cup title.

Experience Remains India's Biggest Asset

World Cups are often won by teams that combine youthful energy with experienced leadership. India appears to possess exactly that formula heading into the next global tournament.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have delivered some of the most memorable performances in ODI World Cup history. Rohit dominated the 2019 edition, finishing as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 648 runs, including a record five centuries. Four years later, Kohli rewrote the record books by scoring 765 runs in the 2023 World Cup and earning the Player of the Tournament award.

Suresh Raina believes such experience cannot be replaced.

He highlighted how both players have already experienced the pressure of knockout matches, ICC finals, and high-stakes international cricket. Their knowledge of handling pressure situations could become invaluable for a relatively young captain like Shubman Gill.

Why Gill Benefits from Rohit and Kohli

Leadership in international cricket is rarely a one-man job. Successful captains often rely on senior players to provide tactical insights and guidance during crucial moments.

Gill, who has emerged as one of India's brightest leaders, is expected to shoulder greater responsibility in the coming years. However, having Rohit and Kohli around can significantly ease that burden.

Whether it is setting attacking fields, planning bowling changes, or managing pressure during tight chases, the experience of two World Cup-winning veterans offers India a major advantage.

Raina pointed out that their influence extends beyond performances with the bat. Their calmness, leadership, and ability to mentor younger teammates can strengthen the overall team environment.

Anil Kumble Praises Gill's Leadership

Former India captain and coach Anil Kumble also expressed confidence in Gill's leadership abilities.

Kumble praised Gill for maintaining consistency with the bat despite the additional responsibilities of captaincy. Many players struggle to balance leadership and personal performance, but Gill has shown impressive maturity.

His captaincy in franchise cricket has already demonstrated his tactical awareness, particularly in managing bowlers and responding to pressure situations. Kumble believes Gill's growth as a leader is being accelerated by the experienced voices around him.

Focus Shifts to Afghanistan ODI Series

India's immediate challenge comes in the form of a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The series will provide another opportunity for Gill to continue developing as captain while testing combinations for future tournaments.

However, India will miss Virat Kohli, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury suffered during IPL 2026. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been drafted into the squad as his replacement.

Despite Kohli's absence, India's long-term outlook remains positive. With Shubman Gill leading a talented generation and legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still contributing in ODIs, the foundation for a strong 2027 World Cup campaign appears firmly in place.

As Raina rightly observed, in tournaments where every decision matters, experience can often become the difference between falling short and lifting the trophy.