Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are fighting for their spots in Indian team.
Former wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has warned that Shubman Gill's spot in India's ODI team could be jeopardized if he fails to score runs in the next two series, despite being captain.
He also encouraged Gautam Gambhir's management to hold Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the same standards as the rest of the team and not 'isolate' them for criticism as the team prepares for the 2027 World Cup.
Kohli and Rohit have always been the focus of attention in the Indian setup. Their positions have recently been under more scrutiny, since Rohit will be 40 and Kohli will be nearly 39 by the time the World Cup begins.
The BCCI selectors reportedly informed Rohit that he is no longer in their plans for the World Cup since they are searching for younger alternatives, even though Kohli appears safer given his more reliable form.
With just over a year until the World Cup, Dasgupta believes that Gill can be targeted just as much as Kohli and Rohit.
“Everyone has to perform, not just them, with 14 months left for the World Cup. God forbid Shubman Gill doesn’t score runs in the next two series. There will be questions asked even about his place in the side despite him being the captain. So, performance is mandatory for everyone.
Yes, some like Rohit, Virat, and Gill deserve a longer rope with more chances because of their performances for an extended period of time. So, they will get more chances than someone else," Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.
Gill’s captaincy band has given him a bigger rope, and he has been India’s best batter since 2023. In 2026 alone, he has scored 561 runs in eight innings, including a century and five fifties, at an average of 93.50 and a strike rate of 110.65.
Additionally, Dasgupta disagreed with the notion of treating Kohli and Rohit as distinct cases, particularly because players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal are in terrific form but are still waiting for opportunities.
Unless the selectors decide to dismiss the latter, Kohli and Rohit are anticipated to play in India's three-match ODI series against the West Indies, which starts on September 27.
“There is no need to constantly isolate Rohit and Virat. They will have to perform like everyone else. So, it’s not a debate about Rohit and Virat. It’s a debate about everyone, all of whom need to keep performing, with less than a year left for the World Cup. So, leave them (Rohit and Virat) alone. Don’t treat them separately," Dasgupta said.