Former Indian skipper Anil Kumble feels Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s experience will be crucial in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kumble reckons the veteran duo can help ODI skipper Shubman Gill in setting the right field and making the right bowling changes throughout the ODI showpiece.

Kohli and Rohit have all the experience under their belt and there is no doubt that they are going to hold the key for India. Meanwhile, so far, Shubman Gill doesn’t have a great captaincy record in ODIs, losing four out of the six matches he has led in. India have lost the ODI series against Australia and New Zealand under Gill’s leadership.

However, Kumble was impressed with the way Shubman Gill led Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026. GT qualified for the final but could not cross the final hurdle against RCB. Gill led from the front as he scored 732 in 16 matches of the tournament and ended as the second-highest run-getter of the competition.

“We have seen in the IPL that he has rotated his bowlers well, used his spinners at the right time, and handled pressure situations with clarity. His form with the bat has not dipped,” Kumble said on JioStar.

“They (Virat and Rohit) can guide him with field placements, bowling changes, and key tactical decisions. Shubman doesn’t have to carry the burden alone,” Kumble said.

On the other hand, Kumble backed Prince Yadav to deliver the goods for India in the Afghanistan ODIs.

“His variety, cutters, slower balls and yorkers make him an all-phase bowler,” Kumble said.

India will take on Afghanistan in the first ODI at Dharamshala on Saturday.