Rohit Sharma made 16 runs in 16 balls before getting run out in first ODI.
Rohit Sharma is focused on the ODI World Cup 2027, according to former India opener Wasim Jaffer, but his future would ultimately rely on the choices made by the coaches and selectors. His remarks followed India's first ODI of the three-match series versus Afghanistan, which took place in Dharamsala on Saturday, June 13.
India triumphed by seven wickets with 13 balls remaining after chasing 195 in a rain-shortened 25-over match, while Rohit was dismissed for a run-a-ball 16. Rohit's credibility cannot be questioned, according to Jaffer, and he would do everything in his power to qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“I think Rohit Sharma is still playing and has made himself available. So, I am sure his focus will be on the 2027 World Cup. From Rohit Sharma’s perspective, I don’t think there is any doubt about that. Now it depends on the coaches and selectors. But I think seeing Rohit Sharma still playing and making himself available since he is currently playing only this format, if he is playing, then I am sure his focus will be on the 2027 World Cup,” Jaffer stated on his YouTube channel.
“Rohit’s form is a bit indifferent at the moment, but as I said, we cannot question his credibility because of the experience he brings. Now it depends on what the selectors and coaches think. But Rohit Sharma’s experience and his temperament in big matches cannot be doubted. And if he is making himself available, I am sure he will not leave any stone unturned so that he can play the 2027 World Cup. His effort will be to lift that World Cup trophy, something he missed out on in 2023. So, I am sure he is working towards that,” he added.
Rohit Sharma has 1,593 runs at an average of 48.71 and a strike rate of 92.75 in 283 ODIs, with 61 fifties and 33 hundreds.
Wasim Jaffer said that Yashasvi Jaiswal might be given a chance to play in the dead rubber if India wins the second ODI.
“I think Yashasvi scored a century in the last match in ODIs. So, if India wins this series in the next match, I feel, I think it is a three-match series, if I am not wrong. So I feel Yashasvi might get a chance to play there, and he should be given an opportunity because I think we need to prepare a backup as well,” he added.
He added that Kuldeep Yadav, who was benched in the opening match, would still be taken into account.
“Apart from that, I think Kuldeep will also be kept in the loop on how he is doing, because his IPL did not go that well. But I am sure from a bigger perspective, Kuldeep Yadav will definitely be in their plans,” Jaffer added.
The second ODI will be played on June 17 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.