Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has urged the BCCI and team management to give Rohit Sharma clear long-term backing for the 2027 ODI World Cup, slated to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Rahane stated that a high-profile player of Rohit's caliber who has been amazing for India should not face constant performance evaluations after every single series. He believes senior players provide vital stability and leadership in the setup alongside younger members.
The retirement chatter surrounding Rohit intensified after he struggled for rhythm in the recent England tour, managing only 11 runs in the series opener at Edgbaston and a labored 26 off 47 balls during the second ODI at Cardiff.
Subsequently, several media outlets claimed selectors wanted to transition to younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and that the series finale at Lord's would be Rohit’s last international appearance.
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.
“I think it’s important to tell Rohit Sharma that he’s going to play the 2027 World Cup. If you see his contribution throughout so many years, it’s been amazing. So you need the experience of such a player in the World Cup—that discussion shouldn’t even happen. If you say once, ‘Rohit Sharma, you’re going to play,’ that’s it. You can’t go series by series because he’s such a big player," Rahane said in an interview with The Indian Express.
“If you treat a big player like that—because as I said, it’s about rhythm. Cricket is about rhythm. No matter how many matches you’ve played, if you’re a youngster or an experienced player in the team, it’s about rhythm. If your mind is free, you can play with that mindset. So about Rohit’s quality—there’s no need to even speak. Such experience is needed in the team, so this debate shouldn’t even happen with team management and the captain. Agar unko khelna hai 2027 World Cup, toh unko khelna hai. (If he wants to play in the 2027 World Cup, then he should play.)," he added.
Following his Lord’s ton, Rohit Sharma had brushed off outside chatter, citing that his sole focus remains on performing on the field and contributing to the Indian team.
“My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That's what I have been told to do since my debut so that's what I am going to do,” Rohit had said while speaking to BCCI.tv.
“The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I am going to stay here, it is always going to be there. So it doesn't really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That's all my focus is right now. And let the noise be there. If there is no noise, there is no fun.”
