Latest news with #ICCODIWorldCup


India.com
2 days ago
- Sport
- India.com
Rohit Sharma To Lead Team India In 2027 ODI World Cup? ICC Poster Sparks Fresh Debate
An ICC promotional poster has ignited fresh discussions about the future of Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain. The graphic, showcasing Rohit alongside England's Harry Brook for the upcoming India vs England limited-overs series in 2026, has fans speculating whether the 38-year-old will continue leading the Men in Blue until the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. Rohit Sharma – Still the Face of India's ODI Squad Fresh from leading India to Champions Trophy 2025 glory, Rohit remains the country's 50-over captain. Despite constant whispers about his ODI retirement, the opener has dismissed such talk, making it clear he intends to play and lead for the foreseeable future. However, the BCCI faces a strategic crossroads. With Rohit no longer captaining in Tests or T20Is — roles now held by Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav respectively — questions are mounting over whether the veteran should spearhead India's next ODI cycle or pass the baton to a younger leader. The Kohli–Rohit Conundrum Alongside Rohit, Virat Kohli also stands at a career crossroads. Both icons, central to India's white-ball dominance for over a decade, are now in their mid-to-late 30s. Kohli, 36, and Rohit, 38, have already exited T20Is and Tests, raising doubts about whether they will be part of India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans. Sources within the board suggest honest conversations are coming. 'Both have achieved almost everything in white-ball cricket. Nobody will force them out, but their mental and physical readiness needs assessment before the next ODI cycle,' a BCCI insider told PTI. The ICC Poster – A Clue for the Future? The ICC's choice to make Rohit the face of its IND vs ENG ODI series campaign is significant. Fans see it as an indirect confirmation of his continued leadership — at least for the next year. India's tour of England in July 2026 will feature five T20Is and three ODIs, following the 2-2 drawn Test series earlier this year. Given the limited ODI schedule before 2027 — just six matches (three each vs New Zealand and England) till mid-2026 — the selectors face the tricky task of balancing the farewell of legends with the blooding of fresh talent. Lessons from the Past – Dhoni Era Transition The current phase echoes the transitional period from Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid to MS Dhoni in 2007. That reset paved the way for a youthful side that clinched the 2011 ODI World Cup. The emergence of players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Mohammed Siraj, and Washington Sundar suggests India's next generation is ready for bigger roles. Fitness, Match Time, and Domestic Cricket Obligations One concern for both Rohit and Kohli is the lack of competitive cricket since the Champions Trophy. Under BCCI's central contracts policy, fit players are expected to participate in domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Exceptions exist for senior pros, but whether they apply here remains uncertain. The Bumrah Balancing Act While the Rohit–Kohli discussion dominates headlines, Jasprit Bumrah's workload management is another pressing matter. The pacer, used sparingly in the England Tests due to his injury history, might be preserved for white-ball cricket in the coming years. 'Bumrah is invaluable, but it's better to have him play all matches in one format rather than a few across all formats,' a former India cricketer suggested, advocating for his focus on ODIs and T20Is ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup.


India.com
5 days ago
- Sport
- India.com
Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli's 2027 World Cup Dreams In Doubt? BCCI Plans ‘Honest Talks' Amid Changing Indian ODI Core
In a pivotal development that could shape the future of Indian ODI cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly preparing to initiate candid discussions with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma regarding their international future in the 50-over format. With the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup looming on the horizon and a new generation of cricketers making their mark, the inclusion of two of India's biggest icons is no longer a foregone conclusion. Also Read: Team India's Probable Squad for Asia Cup 2025: Jasprit Bumrah Out, Shreyas Iyer Returns, Rishabh Pant Doubtful Changing Guard: Gill Era Begins, Questions Loom Over Seniors Fresh off a compelling 2-2 draw in the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, the Shubman Gill-led side has sparked optimism for the future. India's next-gen stars – including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh – have shown promising signs of leadership, resilience, and hunger, reigniting conversations about a generational shift. While Kohli and Rohit remain the faces of Indian cricket, their ODI careers now hang in delicate balance. Both players retired from T20Is after clinching the 2024 T20 World Cup and stepped away from Test cricket earlier this year. This move, initially perceived as a strategic focus on ODIs, is now being re-evaluated. 2027 World Cup: Time, Age, and Opportunity Set to be held in South Africa in November 2027, the next ODI World Cup is more than two years away. By then, both Kohli and Rohit will be nearing the age of 40 – a factor weighing heavily in the BCCI's planning. 'They have achieved everything. Nobody is going to force them to retire,' a BCCI source told PTI. 'But there will be some honest and professional conversations before the next ODI cycle begins. It's important to assess where they stand – physically, mentally, and in terms of team balance.' This statement reflects a broader vision – India last won an ODI World Cup in 2011, and the selectors appear keen on a long-term plan built around youth and continuity, rather than sentiment. Limited Game Time Adds to the Dilemma Between now and the 2027 World Cup, India will play just 27 ODIs. With Kohli and Rohit not part of the T20I or Test setups anymore, their participation in ODIs becomes sporadic. A lack of consistent match exposure could make it difficult for them to sustain rhythm and form at the international level. The next time the duo might feature together is during the Australia tour in October 2025, followed by limited-overs series against South Africa and New Zealand. However, even these six ODIs before the end of the year might not be enough to cement their roles in a squad brimming with emerging talent. Legacy vs Longevity: A Balancing Act for BCCI There's no denying the stature of Kohli and Rohit. With over 14,000 and 11,000 ODI runs respectively, they have been the cornerstone of India's batting for more than a decade. Their experience, big-match temperament, and leadership could still prove invaluable. Kohli's hunger for a second ODI World Cup, and Rohit's desire to lift the trophy as captain, remain strong personal motivations. Yet, the BCCI seems determined to balance respect with realism. The goal is to ensure India peaks at the right time in 2027 with a fully prepared squad — not one relying on reputation alone. Youth Movement Gathers Pace As the transition accelerates, the likes of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are making strong cases for permanent roles. The BCCI's decision to rotate and experiment with younger players in the upcoming ODIs underlines their focus on succession planning. 'There's a clear roadmap being discussed,' a senior board official revealed. 'The conversation with Rohit and Kohli is necessary, not confrontational. They deserve the transparency and respect they've earned.'


News18
18-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
BCCI Selectors Almost Dropped Yuvraj Singh From 2011 WC Squad: 'Dhoni Was...'
Last Updated: Gary Kirsten revealed BCCI selectors debated Yuvraj Singh's inclusion in India's 2011 World Cup squad. Kirsten and Dhoni were keen on Yuvraj, who became Player of the Tournament. India's 2011 World Cup-winning coach, Gary Kirsten, has revealed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors heavily debated the selection of Yuvraj Singh, saying it was 'flipping close'. Kirsten said he and captain MS Dhoni were 'very keen' to have him in, and their choice prevailed. Yuvraj was the Player of the Tournament as India ended their 28-year-long drought of an ICC ODI World Cup title, kicking off a new wave of fandom for the sport in the country. The left-hander from Punjab scored 362 runs in eight innings at an average of over 90 while also picking 15 wickets with his part-time spin with an economy rate of just over five. His exploits included three consecutive 50s in the groups stages, a match-winning fourth against Australia in the quarter-final and a century against the West Indies in between. He did all that while suffering from cancer, which was only diagnosed after the tournament ended. 'Thank goodness we picked him because it was flipping close, he was. It was not a slam-dunk selection. The selectors kind of debated around the 15 players. I was very keen to have him in the team, as was Dhoni, because of the experience that he brought to the group. And look at the World Cup he ended up having," Kirsten told 'I was always very fond of Yuvraj. We had this kind of great relationship where like, he used to frustrate the hell out of me sometimes, but I just loved him. He was good. I just want him to be scoring runs all the time because when I watch him bat, it's just like amazing to watch. But there was a journey he had to walk, and credit to Paddy," added Kirsten. 'Paddy did a lot of work with Yuvi to get him ready for that World Cup. Yuvi himself made some key decisions around getting himself prepared and ready for the World Cup," Kirsten added. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


India Gazette
25-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
From underdogs to champions: India's historic 1983 ODI World Cup triumph over West Indies
New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): India marked one of the greatest days in cricket history as they lifted the ICC ODI World Cup for the first time in England on June 25, 1983. Kapil Dev's men were crowned champions at Lord's with an unbelievable victory over the favourites, West Indies. The latter won the toss and opted to bowl first. Heading into the finals, India shocked the cricketing world with its impressive performances in the cricketing marquee event after disappointing outings in 1975 and 1979, in which they could not progress beyond the group stages. West Indies were heading into the finals as favourites, having won the previous two World Cups in 1975 and 1979. The Kapil Dev-led side managed to score just 183 runs as Andy Roberts took three wickets while Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, and Larry Gomes picked up two wickets each. Defending 183, India did a good job of controlling the Windies' run flow, reducing the side to 57/3. Soon after, the team from the Caribbean was reduced to 76/6, and India was the favourite to win the title. Mohinder Amarnath took Michael Holding's final wicket to give India their first-ever World Cup title win. In the finals, the West Indies were bowled out for 140, and India won the match by 43 runs. Kapil Dev lifting the trophy on the balcony of Lord's Cricket Ground is still an image to savour for all Indian fans. In the finals, Mohinder Amarnath was chosen as the Man of the Match. He scored 26 runs with the bat and also picked up three wickets with the ball. India has been a regular participant in the World Cup from its beginning to the latest edition. The first edition was held in 1975 and from there on, it has taken place after a span of every four years. West Indies won the first two World Cup titles (1975, 1979) and was the runner-up in 1983. India has won the title twice, in 1983 and 2011. MS Dhoni captained the 2011 team to win their second title after 28 years. Under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, India finished as runner-up in the 2023 World Cup. Australia has won the tournament six times (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015 and 2023). Brief Scores: India 183 in 54.4 overs (Kris Srikkanth 38, Sandeep Patil 27, Andy Roberts 3/32) defeated West Indies 140 (Viv Richards 33, Jeff Dujon 25, Mohinder Amarnath 3/12) by 43 runs. (ANI)


Mint
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Mint
RCB, the South Africa of IPL: Why are Royal Challengers Bengaluru compared with the Proteas?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are often called the South Africa of IPL. it's a comparison that resonates with many cricket fans. Here's why. RCB have had some of the biggest names in T20 cricket, just like South Africa. Virat Kohli is all-time highest IPL run-scorer (8,618 runs). South African AB de Villiers, one of the most destructive batters in T20 history, is called Mr. 360 degrees. Chris Gayle is the holder of the highest individual IPL score of 175*. Despite this firepower, RCB have never lifted the IPL trophy in 17 seasons. Similarly, South Africa have produced legends like Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn and Hashim Amla. But, the Proteas have never won an ICC ODI World Cup or T20 World Cup. Talent hasn't translated to titles. The label of 'chokers' has haunted both RCB and the Proteas. Many Bengaluru critics sarcastically say that the C in RCB refers to that. Despite being in sublime throughout the tournament, both teams falter at the last moment. South Africa were famously crashed out of the 1999 World Cup semi-final due to a run-out mix-up. Again, in 2015, they lost due to a dropped catch and panic during a tight run chase. Many blame the mix-up between substitute fielder Farhaan Behardien and JP Duminy. RCB, likewise, lost the 2009 IPL final to Deccan Chargers, the 2011 final to Chennai Super Kings and the 2016 final to Sunrisers Hyderabad despite having momentum. While chasing in 2016, RCB were 140/2 in 12.5 overs when Virat Kohli was dismissed. They lost by 8 runs. Such repeated collapses in critical moments have cemented their reputation as perennial underachievers. In IPL 2016, Virat Kohli received the Player of the Tournament award and won the Orange Cap after scoring 973 runs. AB de Villiers scored 687 runs but still ended up trophyless. Chris Gayle won Orange Cap in 2011; RCB lost in the final to Chennai Super Kings. In 2012, Gayle won Orange Cap again. RCB could not reach the playoffs for lower Net Run Rate despite having same points like CSK. In 2024, Virat Kohli won Orange Cap again. His team lost Eliminator. Similarly, South Africa's history mirrors this. AB de Villiers scored a century off 31 balls (world record) in ODIs, and Kallis averaged 80.83 in the 2007 World Cup, yet the team faltered in knockouts. More recently, against India, South Africa needed 26 runs in 4 overs with 6 wickets in hand to win the T20 World Cup 2024. While chasing 176, they ended up at 169/8 in 20 overs. Will the curse finally be lifted? We'll know on June 3.