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Uncertainty over Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s chances in the 2027 ODI World Cup draws legendary Kapil Dev’s attention. While many had blamed, and probably are blaming, the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, for the uncertainty over the two superstars' chances in the upcoming flagship event.
To shed some light on the much-discussed situation, the former India captain explains how a team is naturally decided. During a podcast for the Sports Tak YouTube channel, Kapil Dev points out that it is the panel of selectors, not the coach, who decides an outline for the team.
Kapil Dev explains how a team is selected behind the scenes
Kapil Dev explained that before announcing the team, the selection committee proposed names to the captain of the team, and then to the manager to understand what the leader and the other top heads of the team are thinking. But selectors can also select a set of players without discussing with the captain.
“First, there are five selectors. Then, go to the captain to ask questions. Then, you go to the manager to understand their thought process. But if the first five selectors decide that he's good enough, then you don't need to go to the captain or the manager. And if the selectors are doing their job properly, then it's okay,” Kapil Dev stated in the podcast.
Should the selectors consider Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the 2027 ODI World Cup?
At present, Virat Kohli is 37, and Rohit Sharma is 39; should the selectors consider these two veterans for the ODI World Cup, considering their ages? What will be the parameters for selection, and who will be selected for the tournament, that completely depends on what the selectors think, as Kapil Dev mentioned again.
Age can be a parameter for selection, but if a player is fit and playing nicely, then he deserves to be in the squad for the World Cup, the former skipper said as well.
“You have no idea what the selectors' thought process is for the 2027 World Cup. And sometimes you say, how can a 25-year-old retire? They do. If you're fit, if you have the ability, if you can, play until 39. If you're performing, then don't count age,” he added
Can the age factor play a decisive role during the selection process?
Kapil Dev further reckoned that age is often considered a factor of selection, especially when a player passes 30. He explained that when a young cricketer loses his form, there is plenty of time in hand to reinvent the form. If the cricketer, who is relatively older, has less amount of time to rediscover the form.
"Yes, the problem with age is that if you hit a bad patch, the public selectors will tell everyone that it's their time. But if the same guy has a bad patch at 20, it's okay. Time comes back. Yes, but if he has a bad patch at 30, then it's time to leave. This happens often," he concluded.
