With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli advancing in age, India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir faces some crucial decisions about the team’s future. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began on a positive note for India, with a dominant victory over Bangladesh in their opening match on Thursday. While skipper Rohit Sharma and young opener Shubman Gill provided a strong start, the performance of Virat Kohli at No. 3 was less than convincing. Kohli, who has long been the backbone of India’s batting lineup, struggled, scoring only 22 runs off 38 balls. On the other hand, Rohit managed a steady 36-ball 41.
Though India secured a comfortable win, former head coach Anil Kumble had some pointed advice for Gambhir regarding the transition from veteran players to the younger generation. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Kumble emphasized that it is the responsibility of the head coach to make difficult decisions that benefit the team in the long run.
Kumble’s Message to Gambhir
“You could say this is a very important tournament for a coach, especially one who has to make tough calls in terms of transitioning from the legacy players to the younger generation. But that’s the job of the coach—to make those hard decisions,” Kumble stated.
He further suggested that the Champions Trophy could be a defining moment in shaping the future of senior players in the Indian team. Their performances in this tournament may determine whether they continue to play a role in India’s ODI setup leading into the 2027 World Cup.
“This tournament could determine where those seniors would go and where India would look at making those changes. Win or lose, you need these tough calls to be made at the earliest. You need to start looking ahead in white-ball cricket, especially at the 2027 World Cup,” Kumble added.
Although the 2027 ODI World Cup is still a few years away, Kumble believes that India must start discussions about the future of its senior players after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy.
Planning for the Future
“In any World Cup, you’re looking at building a squad that has played at least 20 to 25 matches together. That’s when you understand the nuances of match situations and who to rely on. Ideally, at the end of this tournament, you must start looking ahead to the next World Cup,” Kumble explained.
“Do the seniors make it there? Or do we give the opportunity to youngsters to take the team forward in the shorter formats and build a strong unit? These are questions Gambhir needs to address,” he continued.
India’s white-ball cricket future depends on a delicate balance between experience and emerging talent. While veterans like Rohit and Kohli have been instrumental in India’s success, their ability to sustain high-level performances until 2027 remains uncertain. Kumble believes Gambhir should prioritize long-term squad development and give younger players ample opportunities to gain experience at the international level.
T20I Success and Lessons for ODIs
Under Gambhir’s guidance, India has already made significant strides in T20 cricket. The appointment of Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain has worked well, as he has brought an aggressive approach and fresh energy to the team. However, Kumble stressed that ODI cricket presents different challenges, and the transition process should be gradual but well-planned.
“The next World Cup is still two years from now, and the new set of players will need a consistent run of games playing together to understand various aspects like the batting order, match situations, and tactics,” Kumble pointed out.
Building a strong team for 2027 requires identifying a core group of players who can perform under pressure and adapt to different conditions. Kumble highlighted that consistency in selection and clear communication with players about their roles would be crucial to the team’s success.
Gambhir’s Role in Shaping the Future
As the new head coach, Gambhir has an exciting but challenging task ahead. While he has an impressive pool of young talents to choose from, he must also handle the transition from experienced players tactfully. Kumble’s message serves as a reminder that making tough calls is an essential part of a coach’s responsibility.
Gambhir has always been known for his fearless approach, both as a player and a leader. His ability to make bold decisions will now be tested in a coaching role. Whether he opts to gradually phase out the senior players or retains them for a few more years will be closely watched by fans and experts alike.
For now, India’s immediate focus remains on performing well in the Champions Trophy. However, once the tournament concludes, all eyes will be on Gambhir’s approach to shaping the squad for the 2027 World Cup. His choices in the coming months could define India’s white-ball cricket landscape for years to come.