Ever since the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia in Australia was announced, there has been quite a lot of chatter around Shubman Gill replacing Rohit Sharma as the captain of India and Sharma and Virat Kohli's long-term future in the ODI format.
Both stalwarts were picked in the travelling squad for the 50-over series down under as the two legends are all set to return to international cricket for the first time since the Champions Trophy final in Dubai in March.
While for now, Kohli and Sharma will continue to serve the nation, many believe that Gill being handed over the captaincy is a clear indication that the management is thinking about the long-term of the team, with less than two years left for the ODI World Cup and the senior players might make the squad in the flagship competition.
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Kohli and Sharma have both retired from T20Is and Tests in a span of 12 months between June 2024 and May 2025 and are now only representing the Men in Blue in the ODI format.
With very little game time between now and the 2027 World Cup, questions have been raised over the physical condition of the two veteran, who will be nearing their 40s during the tournament.
Amid speculation over Sharma and Kohli's long-term future in international cricket, former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has issued a stern warning to BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar that India might perform miserably if the two senior stars, especially Kohli, do not sit on that plane to Africa two years from now.
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Steve Harmison warns Ajit Agarkar India would suffer in 2027 ODI World Cup if Virat Kohli is excluded
Speaking on talkSPORT Cricket (h/t Sportskeeda), Harmison said: "If Agarkar's looking for a fight, he might get one but he's not going to win unfortunately. This is not going the distance. This could be a heavy knockout in the first round if he tries to go in, especially without Virat."
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