Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has demanded that India ODI captain Shubman Gill must state in a press conference about the inclusion of Rohit Sharma in the Men in Blue squad for the ICC World Cup 2027.
In recent months, the controversy surrounding Rohit Sharma's inclusion in India's ODI squad for the 2027 World Cup has intensified due to allegations that the selectors are still unsure about his long-term prospects.
Rohit has consistently stated that he wants to captain India in South Africa the following year, despite the rumors. At Lord's, the seasoned opener reacted as best he could with an incredible century. That innings not only silenced many of his critics but also reignited the conversation around his World Cup prospects.
The ambiguity surrounding Rohit's ODI future, according to former India batter Mohammad Kaif, can only be settled by the team management taking a firm stand. He said that good leaders have always supported seasoned players during trying times and that Gill has to publicly support Rohit Sharma.
"I think it will be a 'wait and watch' case. There is a lot of confusion, but that clarity has to come. Gill must come out in the press and give a statement that I want Rohit for the World Cup. A captain is always there when the team is made. Selectors may not know as much as players know about each other's game. He will have to convince the coach and selectors and make such calls. Sehwag and Yuvraj were not scoring. Ganguly always used to stand by them and said that they would come back. Dhoni has backed players. Rohit has backed players himself. A captain has to stand by the players," Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Kaif also contended that Gill's public support would bolster his authority as captain and provide much-needed openness. The former India batsman insisted that open communication from the captain will dispel needless rumors, gain the trust of the dressing room, and eventually help the squad.
"By doing this, you will bring transparency within the team, and Gill's respect as captain will also go up. He will gain the image that he is straightforward when things are going back and forth. Everybody is watching everything. You cannot hide, and you need to get this clarity. If no one else is giving this clarity, then the captain has to do this. This will only make the team better," he added.
Rohit Sharma will next likely play for India when they host West Indies at home in a white-ball series.
