India coach Gambhir on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s return: Their experience is going to be handful in Australia
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will make their first international outings since the ICC Champions Trophy, during India’s three-match One-Day Internationals series against Australia, starting October 19 in Perth.
The build-up to the series has been rife with speculation over the veteran duo’s time in the Indian side in the backdrop of the looming World Cup in 2027. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, however, emphasised the need to focus on the present and allow the pair to settle back in.
“Look, the 50-over World Cup is still about two years away and I think it is very important to stay in the present. Obviously, they’re quality players. They’re coming back. Their experience is going to be a handful in Australia as well. Hopefully, those two guys will have a successful tour. And more importantly, as a team, we will have a successful series,” Gambhir said on Tuesday.
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Shubman Gill, who will captain Kohli and Rohit in Australia, said he is looking forward to the experience.
“I think we have been playing our best in ODIs in the past 2-3 years. Nothing changes for us. It’s more or less the same team that we’re playing. They (Virat and Rohit) have won so many matches for us in the past. They’ve been playing for India for the past 10-15 years.
“Winning matches for us is an experience that we bring to the table. It’s something every captain of every team wants. That’s what we’re looking forward to. We just want them to go out there and do their magic,” said Gill.
Published on Oct 14, 2025
