‘There is absolutely no doubt’ - Shubman Gill confirms Virat Kohli is part of India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans

India captain Shubman Gill has put to rest the speculation surrounding Virat Kohli's ODI future, confirming that the former skipper remains a key part of the team's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Gill revealed that he recently held detailed discussions with Kohli regarding India's roadmap for the marquee ICC event, scheduled to be held across South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe next year.

With India's three-match ODI series against England set to begin at Edgbaston on Tuesday, July 14, Gill addressed the media on the eve of the opening fixture. The 25-year-old disclosed that the team management has already started identifying the core group of players expected to feature in the 50-over World Cup.

Since Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket last year, questions have frequently been raised over how long the veteran duo will continue in the ODI format. While both have continued to contribute with important knocks, uncertainty over their participation in the next World Cup has remained a major talking point.

Gill, however, made it clear that Kohli continues to be an integral part of India's long-term plans.

“There is absolutely no doubt about Virat Kohli's place in our plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He will definitely play a very important role for us in that tournament. Having a senior player of his calibre in the team is a huge advantage," Gill told reporters on the eve of the first ODI.

The India skipper also revealed that he had recently spoken to Kohli about potential team combinations and the squad composition for the global tournament.

“In fact, just the day before yesterday, I was discussing our plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup with him. We talked about team combinations, which players could be part of the squad, who might not be, and where each player would fit best within the team setup. So yes, Virat is fully prepared and motivated to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup,” he added.

Kohli has enjoyed an impressive run in the ODI format in recent months, producing consistent performances against New Zealand and South Africa. Although he endured a lean patch with two ducks against Australia last year, the former India captain bounced back with a crucial knock in the Sydney ODI and has looked in excellent touch ever since.