Sunil Gavaskar appeals to ICC to review calendar due to excessive player workload

There are constant questions about whether Virat Kohli will participate in the 2027 World Cup. However, Rajkumar Sharma, Virat's childhood coach, believes that this issue should not be discussed. In his opinion, Virat's current performance on the field provides a clear picture.

Speaking at an event by the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) and in an interview with 'India Today', Rajkumar Sharma stated that the decision regarding Virat's plans for the 2027 World Cup must be based on observing his play. He emphasized that players should independently assess what Virat is doing in recent matches and how he performs on the field, making discussions on this matter unnecessary.

Sharma noted that Virat is undoubtedly an outstanding athlete capable of changing the course of a match single-handedly on his best days.

Rajkumar Sharma expressed a similar view regarding Rohit Sharma. The 39-year-old Rohit is also under scrutiny due to his future in the ODI format. Nevertheless, Rohit's statistics after the Champions Trophy do not look weak: he scored 727 runs in 15 matches with an average of 51.92, including two centuries. The century Rohit scored at Lord's in July temporarily reduced discussions about his possible retirement, providing answers to questions about his future.

While Rohit's future is uncertain, Rajkumar Sharma shows confidence in Virat not only because of his current form. He has observed Virat's journey since childhood, being part of his story for over 25 years. According to Sharma, Virat has always possessed self-confidence from the beginning and never shied away from hard work. He called Virat's work ethic one of his main strengths.

The coach asserted that Virat was made for cricket. He believed that Virat had a God-given talent, but turning that talent into the game of a great athlete largely depended on his discipline and effort.

Recalling his old relationship with Virat, he shared that he witnessed his journey from the first visit to his club. Rajkumar also remembered the period when Virat became captain, noting that they both still recall those times. When Virat became captain, Rajkumar said he never thought they would reach such a level. For him, this entire journey is very touching and memorable.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will get another chance to answer these questions on the field. The ODI series against West Indies begins on September 27. Three ODI matches will be played between the two teams within 10 days. Both experienced batsmen will be under close observation. This series will be not just an opportunity to score runs, but also a chance to solidify their place in the 2027 World Cup picture.

After this, India will play five ODI matches in New Zealand from November 4 to 15. Then, in December, India will visit Sri Lanka, where the teams will play three ODI matches.

Arguments in favor of Virat are also supported by his statistics. After the 2025 Champions Trophy, Virat Kohli is the batsman who has scored the most runs in ODIs for India. During this period, he scored 760 runs in 12 matches with an average of 76. He scored 3 centuries and 5 half-centuries. Thus, Virat's return to ODIs is based not only on reputation; his statistics also speak in his favor. Rajkumar Sharma considers him an outstanding player and a match winner.

The return of many players to the Indian national team is proving to be a complex process. Nevertheless, some veterans who have played for India for a long time are actively training, striving to come back to the team. The question arises whether these experienced athletes will get a chance to step onto the field again.

The Indian team's focus is on the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. In the previous tournament in 2023, the Indian team demonstrated impressive play on home soil. However, the final against Australia ended in a painful defeat, a memory that remains fresh for both players and fans.

In light of this, the coaching staff and selection committees are working to form a strong squad for the 2027 tournament. Many prominent cricket figures believe that the team should once again look at its veterans in fast bowling.

Some senior players are showing outstanding results in domestic competitions, such as the 'Duleep Trophy', using both bat and ball. The need for experienced fast bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be critically important for the Indian team on the fast pitches of South Africa.

Mohammed Shami will strengthen the team's attacking capabilities

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami, aged 36, continues to trouble batsmen with his deliveries. Last season in the Ranji Trophy, Shami caused significant damage, taking 37 wickets at an average of just 16.72 with the red ball. With experience accumulated in Tests and ODIs, where he has taken over 200 wickets, Shami's experience could prove extremely useful for the Indian team on the fast African pitches in 2027.

Fans are watching Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has also reached the age of 36, but his spin mastery remains at a high level. Last season in the IPL, he was the second highest wicket-taker, collecting 28 wickets with excellent economy. Although Kumar has not played for India since 2022, his ability to take wickets with the new ball in the powerplay is a rare quality among spinners. Internationally, with 294 wickets, Kumar could become a significant pillar for India on overseas tours.

Krunal Pandya awaits a return after five years

All-rounder Krunal Pandya, aged 35, is in exceptionally good form in recent IPL seasons. In the IPL, he not only bowled effectively, taking 14 wickets, but also scored 226 runs at an average of 145. The Indian team has always needed players capable of winning matches both offensively and defensively. Despite Pandya not having played for India since 2021, his current form is likely to attract the attention of selectors.

Discussions regarding the player selection process began after the announcement of the Indian team's squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan. Former Indian player S. Badri Nat raised questions concerning the inclusion of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the team. Furthermore, he indirectly pointed to head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Badri Nat shared his opinion on the selection, casting doubt on the consistent support received by Sundar. On his YouTube channel, he noted that it seems like the 'coach's favourite' has returned once again. Badri Nat advised Sundar to take advantage of this trust.

Badri Nat's implied hint was directed at the team management and, specifically, the coaching staff. However, he did not level direct accusations against Gautam Gambhir.

Badri Nat also spoke about Nitish Kumar Reddy, focusing his criticism on his bowling performance. He stated that he does not rate Nitish highly, and the reason for this is his bowling. In Badri Nat's view, Nitish is fundamentally a batter, not a all-rounder who should be highly valued for his bowling skills. Thus, Badri Nat's objection is more related to Nitish's bowling abilities than his batting.

Washington and Nitish were included in the Indian team's 15-man squad for the T20I matches against Afghanistan. The first match of the series is scheduled for September 13 in Delhi. This series takes place during a period when the Indian team is making several changes ahead of defending its gold medalist status at the Asian Games, which will be held in Japan at the end of this month.

The series against Afghanistan is also considered important for assessing the team composition and testing the players. Alongside the criticism of the selection, Badri Nat expressed satisfaction with the possible return of Jasprit Bumrah to the Indian team, calling it positive news. Bumrah has been included in the squad for the series against Afghanistan, but his participation depends on receiving clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Additionally, Harshit Rana was included in the team. The participation of Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana in the series depends on passing the respective medical examinations. The first match of the three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan will take place on September 13 in Delhi. In this series, the Indian team will be preparing for the Asian Games, while everyone will be watching for Bumrah's possible return. Nevertheless, the selection of players like Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy has already caused heated debate before the start of the series.