India would start their preparation for the ODI World Cup in 2027 with a three-match series against Afghanistan to be played from June 13. Even though a year remains, it appears according to a recent report that there are certain concerns among the Indians regarding communication and planning for the future. The ODI World Cup will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in 2027. India have been a solid team in the 50-over format but, according to reports, there is a need to improve coordination between the management and seniors of the team in coming days. Gautam Gambhir became the head coach of India in 2024 and as a result, the Indian team was focused on preparing for Test and T20I formats of cricket. After appointing Gambhir as head coach, India enjoyed a lot of success in the T20 format, as they have won the Asia Cup in 2025 and the recently concluded T20 World Cup. As India gear up for the ODI World Cup, now all eyes are on 50 overs format. Importance of Senior Players in India’s Plans Another issue of discussion is the importance of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI plans. The two players opted out of Tests and T20I during the 2024-25 season but remain integral parts of India's ODI squad. Kohli played a very good 2025 season with the ODI bat and ended as the leading run-scorer on India's South Africa tour. However, he won't participate in the upcoming Afghanistan series due to hamstring injury concerns. Rohit Sharma had an excellent year with the bat too and came second on the list of India's best run scorers during the year. The senior batsman has passed all fitness tests at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence and would play against Afghanistan. Similarly, hardik pandya, who is one of the crucial players in India's ODI plans, might miss the series due to injuries. It has been reported that he would need to convince the selectors of his skills as a regular bowler in the format. According to The Times of India, senior players had been in constant communication with key figures within BCCI to know their plans for the next World Cup. Also Read | Hardik Pandya Ruled Out of India vs Afghanistan ODI Series After Fresh Injury Setback More Responsibility for Gambhir & Gill in Future Another point made in the report was that head coach Gautam Gambhir is not as involved in the ODI preparations as he is in Test and T20 cricket preparations. However, ODI captain Shubman Gill has also been advised to speak up more in the changing rooms of the side. A BCCI source told the newspaper: "With such big players in the team, Gill needs to have a stronger say in the dressing room. Gambhir hasn't got involved in the planning as intently as he has done in the other two formats. So far, he has let things take its course." This insider also stated that since now the World Cup has come into focus, Gill as well as Gambhir will have to take control and make the players aware of the plans for their future. Significance of Communication The importance of letting the senior members know about their roles and responsibilities for the next 16 months was emphasized in the report. The source further added: "Now that the focus has shifted on the preparation for the ODI World Cup, one may expect Gambhir and Gill to take charge and firmly communicate their ideas in the dressing room. It's important that the senior players, who have served India with distinction for so many years, are conveyed what role the team expects them to play and the plan for the buildup over the next 16 months." The upcoming match of India's ODI team against Afghanistan will be the start of their path to the 2027 World Cup. Though the team looks promising, reports say that apart from performing well on the ground, communicating with each other effectively would also be of significance.