Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has urged the Indian team management to clearly define the roles of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat. Kohli As the team prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup, say players of his stature should not face uncertainty at this stage of their career.With both Rohit and Kohli stepping away from Tests and T20Is to focus on ODIs, their place in India’s plans is important, even as the team looks at change. Speaking to SportsTalk, Yuvraj said there is a need for open communication between head coach Gautam Gambhir, the selectors and the two senior players. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar are yet to give a clear answer about the participation of the two senior players in the ODI World Cup next year.
Yuvraj said, “I don’t know what’s going on in their minds. They (Rohit and Kohli) look determined to play the World Cup, but I think it’s up to them and the selectors, who have to decide the future. I mean, they are such great players, there should be an explanation.”“You have to be able to sit in a room and talk about things openly. It’s difficult, especially at this stage of your career. You may not like to hear that the team is looking forward, but a year later you will appreciate that at least someone told you the truth to your face. It doesn’t really happen in Indian cricket,” he added while talking to SportsTalk.Both the players have continued their performance in ODIs. Kohli returned to the top of the ICC rankings at the start of 2026 and scored 302 runs at an average of 151 and a strike rate of 117 over three matches in a strong series against South Africa.Rohit, meanwhile, scored 202 runs at an average of 101 in three matches in Australia, including a century in Sydney that helped him regain No. 1 in the ODI rankings at 38. However, he struggled in the next home series against New Zealand, where he managed to score 61 runs at 20.33.Yuvraj said that instead of discussing only individual players, the focus should be on a clear plan for the 2027 World Cup. He added that the management should take a clear call and convey it to both the senior players and the younger players.“I don’t want any player who has represented the country for so many years to be stuck in a situation where someone sits down and tells them clearly what the plan is. Either commit to them for the World Cup and give them full support, or tell them that the team is looking for young players. Someone has to say it. Tell them the truth. I think it should happen after this IPL,” said Yuvraj.He also pointed to the need to develop young players on time, citing Yashaswi Jaiswal as an example.
Poll
Do you think Rohit and Kohli’s current performances justify their place in the squad for the World Cup?
“For players who are at the end of their careers, clarity is very important. Captains, coaches and selectors should sit down with the boys and explain how they see things. The conversation may not go well, but at least you tried on your part. Look at Yashvi Jaiswal. He scored a century in his last ODI, but is sitting out. When will you adopt Jaiswal? You have the World Cup next year,” Yuvraj told SportsTalk.“If you are going to the World Cup, you should have played many matches, I am not saying you should drop anyone, but if you are playing the 2027 ODI World Cup, you need to start preparing your squad now, you need to play them, decide, you should not have a senior player injured at the last minute and no young players.”
