Former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has thrown his weight behind Rohit Sharma, saying the veteran opener is "irreplaceable" as long as he is fit, available and scoring runs leading up to the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The retirement chatter intensified after Rohit’s lean patch in the recently held England tour, with rumors incorrectly claiming the third and final ODI would serve as his farewell match as the selectors wanted to transition to younger openers like Yashasvi Jaiswal.

However, the 39-year-old emphatically silenced his critics at Lord's, smashing 138 off 110 balls and becoming the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue.

"As long as Rohit Sharma is fit, available, and scoring runs, he remains irreplaceable. We are talking about sheer pedigree and legacy here. You do not need to look anywhere else in ODI cricket right now. We should not forget that the next World Cup is in South Africa, where conditions demand experienced heads who have been there, done that, and delivered under pressure," Chopra said while speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan.

He also stressed that the seamless partnership between Rohit and skipper Shubman Gill shouldn't be altered just to test new options.

"Right now, the opening pairing with Shubman Gill is working seamlessly, so why tinker with something that isn't broken? Often, when you have an abundance of options, there's a temptation to try something new just for the sake of it. But no matter how tempting those alternatives look, do not distract yourself. Keep the focus entirely on the World Cup, and as long as Rohit is here, Rohit stays," Chopra remarked.

Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Rohit Sharma only plays a single format for India. He will be next in action during the three-match ODI series against the West Indies at home from September 27 to October 3.