NEW DELHI: After retiring from T20Is and Tests, star India batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are now limited to ODIs. It remains to be seen how they fit into India's long-term plans, with the 50-over World Cup still two years away.

When asked about the future of India's stalwarts in the team, coach Gautam Gambhir ducked the question with a measured response, saying the World Cup is still two and a half years away and that the management is focused on the present.

"ODI World Cup is two and a half years away. It is important to stay in the present. They are both quality players. Hopefully, those two will have a successful tour," Gambhir said in the press conference after India crushed West Indies by seven wickets in the second Test in New Delhi.

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In the past one year, the Indian team has undergone transition across all formats under Gambhir's coaching.

When asked what are the attributes he is looking for when he wants to blood a player in the national team, Gambhir presented his checklist.

"First and foremost, you look at talent. Then you look at the work ethic. You look at the characters in that dressing room, especially in red-ball cricket.

"You look at what they bring on the table, apart from the amount of runs and wickets they do, I think how hungry they are. And if you've got all those attributes, you will definitely have a successful Test career."

Both Rohit and Kohli are expected to feature in at least three, and possibly four, Vijay Hazare Trophy matches ahead of India's ODI series against New Zealand in January, provided they remain on track for the 2027 World Cup.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Kohli and Rohit's chances of featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup will depend on their form, fitness, and hunger, with the upcoming series against Australia serving as a key test of all three.

The 63-year-old, who coached India from 2017 and 2021, said both stalwarts need a strong series against Australia to cement their places. Rohit and Kohli have been named in India's squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia, starting in Perth on October 19.

"That's why they're here (playing the ODI series against Australia)," Shastri was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au at Kayo Sport's Summer of Cricket launch.

"They're part of the mix. It depends on their fitness, their hunger and, of course, form. So, I think this series is very important to see how they go. They themselves will know by the end of this series how they feel and then it's their call," he added.