Following India's recent ODI series victory against South Africa, head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed questions about the team's strategy for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present. When asked about the potential inclusion of standout performers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the 2027 World Cup squad, Gambhir responded, "Look, first we have got to realise that ODI World Cup is two years away from now. The most important thing is to stay in the present". He stressed that dwelling on the distant future would only distract from the team's current objectives.

Gambhir acknowledged the impressive performances of Gaikwad and Jaiswal, who seized their opportunities in the absence of regular players Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. Gaikwad scored 105 off 83 balls in the second ODI in Raipur, while Jaiswal hit an unbeaten 116 in the final match in Visakhapatnam. Despite their success, Gambhir maintained a grounded perspective, noting that both players are not yet regular members of India's ODI setup.

He lauded Gaikwad for grabbing his opportunity and highlighted the quality displayed in his century under pressure. About Jaiswal, Gambhir expressed optimism about his future in white-ball cricket, acknowledging his established quality in Test cricket.

Gambhir also outlined the team's approach to building a pool of players for the 2027 World Cup. He stated the team aims to identify a group of around 20-25 players and provide them with opportunities to gain experience. He clarified that Gill and Iyer would automatically return to the lineup once available, but Gaikwad and Jaiswal should remain prepared to step in when needed.

While acknowledging the importance of experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gambhir emphasized the need to provide opportunities for younger players. He noted that Kohli and Rohit have been performing well and their experience is invaluable to the team. He hopes that they will continue their performance in the future. He pointed out that, with more than 20 ODIs remaining until the World Cup, India aims to create a strong pool of players.

Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the head coach of India in July 2024 for a three-year term, extending up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. He previously led India to victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2025 Asia Cup. Gambhir had an impressive career as a cricketer, including winning the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and playing in the 2011 Cricket World Cup.