New Delhi: Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane believes Rohit Sharma should be part of the Indian team’s squad for the ODI World Cup next year and has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide the senior batter with clarity on his ODI future.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Rohit is only active in ODIs for .
Rohit remains part of India’s ODI plans for now, but there have been constant questions over his future ahead of the World Cup next year. Reports went viral last month that Rohit has been informed by the Ajit Agarkar-led that he is no longer viewed as part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
It was reported that the Lord’s ODI against England could potentially be Hitman’s last match for India. However, Rohit struck a brilliant century in the game to shut his critics and quash the rumours regarding his retirement. Rahane has backed Rohit for the 2027 ODI World Cup, stating that his experience will be crucial for the team in a tournament like the World Cup.
“I think it is important to tell Rohit Sharma he is going to play the 2027 ODI World Cup. Just look at his contribution over several years. It has been amazing. You need the experience of such a player at a World Cup,” Rahane said in an Idea Exchange interview.
Rahane argued that the selectors should not go series by series and look beyond the short-term fluctuations when judging a player of Rohit’s calibre. He also insisted that the Hitman’s experience will be valuable for India in high-pressure matches during the World Cup.
“There should be no discussions around it. You can’t look at it series by series because he is such a big player,” Rahane added.
How Rohit shut ‘noise’ outside to let his bat do the talking
Despite being an integral member of India’s batting line-up in ODIs, questions have often been raised about Rohit’s future owing to his growing age and inconsistent returns. After reports went viral last month that the Lord’s ODI can be his last for India, Rohit decided to shut his critics in style.
He slammed a brilliant knock of 138 runs and became the first Indian to score an ODI hundred at Lord’s while breaking multiple records. The Hitman labelled the retirement rumours ‘noise’ after letting his bat do the talking. Despite no assurity from the selectors over his role in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans, Rohit will hope to continue his fine form with the bat when he returns to action next.