Ace India batter Rohit Sharma's participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup, according to former Australian captain Steve Waugh, will depend more on his dedication and readiness than on his ability to score runs.
Rohit, 39, is running out of time to be included in India's plans for the major ICC ODI event after retiring from Tests and T20Is.
Rohit made his most recent appearance for India in the England ODIs, where the former captain of India scored 138 runs in the series finale at Lord's after failing in the first two matches.
"Only Rohit Sharma can answer that question. At that age, you've still got the skill and the know-how. But have you got the desire to be there, train hard, and make the sacrifices to prepare 100%? Rohit's the only one who can answer that. There's no doubt that he has the talent to score runs. But is he going to prepare at 100% and be fully committed to it?” Steve Waugh on Star Sports.
Rohit Sharma is a bona fide all-time great in ODIs, with 11,895 runs at an average of almost 49 and a strike rate of 93.04, including 34 centuries, in 288 matches. He is the only batter to hit three double centuries in ODIs, with the record highest individual score of 264.
Steve Waugh thinks Rohit Sharma can compete in the 2027 ODI World Cup if he continues to put in a lot of practice and dedication.
"Regarding his 100% commitment and preparation, if the answer is yes, then he can make it. But if the answer to either of those questions is no, then he won't make it. It's obvious that he has the talent, but there is a lot more needed than talent to be successful, so it's really about 100% commitment," said Waugh.
Rohit Sharma is the fourth-leading run-scorer in ODI World Cup history, with over 1,500 runs at an average of 60.57 and a strike rate of 105.49. Rohit also boasts the most centuries in ODI World Cups with seven, including a single-edition record of five three-figure scores in the 2019 World Cup.
He is expected to be in action when India takes on the West Indies in a three-ODI series at home from September 27 onwards.
