Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes Shubman Gill is not immune from scrutiny despite leading India’s ODI side. The cricketer-turned-commentator has warned that the captain’s place in the team could also come under the scanner if he fails to deliver with the bat over the next few series. At the same time, Dasgupta urged the team management, led by Gautam Gambhir, to assess Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma by the same standards as every other player, rather than singling them out in discussions about India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With just over a year remaining before the global event, India’s squad composition continues to dominate conversations. Kohli and Rohit remain two of the biggest names in world cricket, but their future has increasingly become a topic of debate due to age and India’s long-term planning. Rohit is expected to be 40 during the 2027 World Cup, while Kohli will be close to 39. Recent reports have also suggested that the selectors are exploring younger alternatives, with Rohit’s place reportedly under greater pressure despite his vast experience.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Dasgupta stressed that reputation alone cannot guarantee selection. According to him, every player—including the captain—must continue producing consistent performances if they want to secure a place in India’s World Cup plans. “Everyone has to perform, not just Rohit and Virat, with 14 months left before the World Cup. God forbid Shubman Gill doesn’t score runs in the next two series; questions will be asked about his place in the side despite him being the captain. Performance is mandatory for everyone,” Deep Dasgupta said.
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However, the former India cricketer acknowledged that players such as Rohit, Kohli and Gill have earned the right to receive a longer run because of their sustained success at the international level. “Some players deserve a longer rope because of what they have achieved over the years. Rohit, Virat and Gill fall into that category, so naturally they will receive more opportunities than others,” he added.
Among the trio, Shubman Gill currently appears to be in the strongest position. Since 2023, the stylish opener has been India’s most consistent ODI batter, combining elegant stroke play with remarkable consistency. His numbers in 2026 further underline his dominance, having amassed 561 runs in just eight innings at an outstanding average of 93.50 and a strike rate of 110.65, including one century and five half-centuries.
Dasgupta also rejected the narrative that Kohli and Rohit should be treated as separate cases while discussing India’s future. He pointed out that several young batters, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, are waiting in the wings after impressive domestic and international performances. In his view, selection should be based on current performances and the team’s long-term needs rather than reputation alone.
India’s next ODI assignment is expected to be a three-match series against the West Indies, beginning on September 27. Unless the selectors decide to make significant changes, both Rohit and Kohli are expected to feature in the squad. With the countdown to the 2027 World Cup already underway, Dasgupta believes the message is simple: every player, regardless of stature, must continue earning their place through performances.
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“There is no need to constantly isolate Rohit and Virat. They have to perform like everyone else. This is not just a debate about those two; it’s about every player in the squad. Everyone has to keep performing with the World Cup approaching,” Deep Dasgupta concluded.
