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NEW DELHI: India ODI captain Shubman Gill has thrown his weight behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, insisting the veteran duo continue to be central to India’s plans as the team builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.Addressing speculation around the future of the two senior batters ahead of the three-match ODI series against England, Gill made it clear that their place in the side is not under question. “Virat Bhai and Rohit Bhai, they have been the backbone of Indian batting lineup for the past decade. And they remain a very integral part of our team,” Gill told reporters ahead of the first ODI in Birmingham on Tuesday. The skipper said the value of the two extends far beyond runs, highlighting the wealth of experience they bring in pressure situations.“The experience and the skill that they bring to the team is obviously very valuable. We have seen what they have done over the past decade in different conditions, repetitively, consistently, in a number of matches, different tournaments, different occasions.”Gill’s comments come after chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently said the senior players should not be “put on trial” every series, with questions continuing to surface over India’s transition plans.The 26-year-old also underlined the importance of experience in any successful side.“If there is an experienced line-up in any team, then I think in a pressure situation, experience helps you a lot. Because you have been in that situation many times, and you have done good and bad. So, I think you get a sense of calmness when you are under pressure.”While reiterating that India are using the England ODIs to fine-tune combinations for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Gill said the team is looking to expose younger players without disturbing its settled core.“I don’t think it’s an unsettled XI… you have to give a chance to the new players. You have to give them experience.”For Gill, India’s future planning does not come at the expense of its proven match-winners. Instead, the captain sees Rohit and Virat continuing to provide the stability around which the next generation can be integrated.
