Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has shared his opinion on how the India national cricket team should select players in the future.
Harbhajan believes that players such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be selected based on their performance and fitness rather than their age. His comments come as discussions begin about India’s preparation for the 2027 Cricket World Cup scheduled in South Africa.
Selection Should Depend on Form and Fitness
Harbhajan explained that performance and physical fitness should be the main criteria for team selection.
According to him, experienced players can still play a major role in big tournaments if they are performing well. He added that age alone should never decide whether a player stays in the team or not.
He pointed out that Virat Kohli has been in very good form since the South Africa series, while Rohit Sharma has been working hard to improve his fitness. If both players continue to perform consistently, Harbhajan believes they should remain part of India’s plans.
Harbhajan’s Selection Philosophy
| Factor | Importance in Selection |
|---|---|
| Current Form | Very Important |
| Fitness Level | Very Important |
| Experience | Important for big tournaments |
| Age | Not the deciding factor |
Harbhajan’s view is simple: if a player is performing well and is fit, he should be selected regardless of age.
Harbhajan Praises Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching
During the discussion, Harbhajan also praised Gautam Gambhir for his work as India’s white-ball coach.
He said Gambhir has done an excellent job with the team since taking charge. According to Harbhajan, Gambhir understands the game deeply and brings a sharp cricketing mind to the dressing room.
Harbhajan also mentioned Gambhir’s successful leadership with Kolkata Knight Riders in the past and believes that his experience helps create a winning mindset within the team.
He added that strong communication in the dressing room and clear thinking from the coaching staff are important factors in building a successful team.
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Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the 2027 World Cup Plans
The conversation also focused on whether Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could be part of India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Harbhajan said that if both players remain in good form and maintain their fitness levels, they should be considered for the tournament.
Key Considerations for the 2027 World Cup
| Player | Key Factor for Selection |
|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | Batting form and fitness |
| Virat Kohli | Consistency and experience |
South African conditions often offer pace and bounce, which means experienced batters can play an important role.
For Rohit Sharma, winning an ODI World Cup remains a major goal in his career. Despite his success in different formats, the ODI World Cup title is a trophy he still wants to achieve.
Virat Kohli, who has already won many major tournaments, would also like to add another World Cup triumph to his career achievements.
As India looks ahead to the next ODI World Cup, the team management will focus on balancing youth and experience.
Players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to be important figures in Indian cricket. If they maintain their form and fitness, they could still play a major role in the team’s plans.
Harbhajan’s message is clear: the team should always pick players who are performing well and are ready for the challenge, regardless of their age.
