‘Not Gambhir, Not Gill’: Kapil Dev Makes Bold Kohli-Rohit World Cup Remark… Says Only One Group Should Decide Their Future

The discussion surrounding the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI setup continues to gather momentum, but former India captain Kapil Dev believes the decision on their World Cup fate should not rest with head coach Gautam Gambhir or captain Shubman Gill.

Instead, the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper has emphasized that the responsibility lies squarely with the Indian selectors, who must assess performance, form, and team requirements before making any crucial calls ahead of future ICC tournaments.

Kapil Dev Clears the Air on Selection Debate

With India building towards the next major ODI assignments, questions have emerged regarding whether veteran stars Kohli and Rohit will remain central to the team’s plans.

Kapil Dev, however, feels there should be no confusion about who holds the authority.

According to the legendary all-rounder, team selection is fundamentally the job of the selection committee. While coaches and captains can provide valuable input, the final decision regarding squad composition should come from the selectors entrusted with shaping the national side.

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His comments arrive at a time when discussions around generational transition in Indian cricket are becoming increasingly frequent.

Age Should Not Be the Deciding Factor

One of the biggest talking points surrounding both Kohli and Rohit has been age. As two of India’s most experienced cricketers, they continue to face questions about how long they can remain part of the national setup.

Kapil Dev believes age alone should never determine a player’s future.

The former captain stressed that if a cricketer is consistently performing and contributing to victories, there is no reason to focus solely on the number of years they have spent in the game.

However, he also acknowledged a reality that many senior players face.

Older players often find themselves under greater scrutiny when results do not go their way. While younger cricketers may be given time to recover from a dip in form, experienced stars frequently face immediate questions about retirement and selection.

Kohli and Rohit Still Under the Microscope

Former India spinner Maninder Singh also weighed in on the conversation, expressing confidence in the mental strength and experience of both batting icons.

According to Maninder, neither Kohli nor Rohit lacks the temperament required to handle pressure situations. However, he pointed out that both players face different challenges heading into upcoming ODI assignments, including the highly anticipated series against England.

For Rohit, consistency remains a key talking point. The Indian captain has continued to produce impactful innings but has also faced criticism over fluctuating form in recent months.

Kohli, meanwhile, remains one of the fittest players in world cricket, yet discussions about workload management and long-term planning continue to follow him.

World Cup Planning Begins Early

India’s team management is expected to closely monitor performances over the coming months as preparations gather pace for future global tournaments.

The ODI format remains a crucial part of India’s roadmap, and every selection decision involving senior players is likely to attract significant public attention.

Both Kohli and Rohit possess vast experience, leadership qualities, and a proven record of delivering on the biggest stages. At the same time, a new generation of players is pushing for opportunities, making competition for places stronger than ever.

A Message That Resonates Across Indian Cricket

Kapil Dev’s comments serve as a reminder that selection decisions should be based on merit and performance rather than speculation.

While fans, experts, and former players may continue to debate the future of India’s veteran stars, the final call will ultimately belong to the selectors.

For now, Kohli and Rohit remain firmly in the spotlight, and every innings they play could shape the conversation surrounding their place in India’s future World Cup plans.