Rohit Sharma (Source: AFP)
The countdown to the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia has picked up massive pace, with Rohit Sharma's future in the 50-over format remaining a major talking point.
Rohit Sharma has recently faced questions over his fitness and workload. However, the latest update from the BCCI suggests that there is no immediate change to his ODI plans.
The update came after a review meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Thursday (September 3). It is important to note that India's coaching and leadership group discussed the team’s recent disappointing performances on the tour of Ireland and England and looked at plans for the coming years.
Rohit Sharma's ODI future was also among the major talking points discussed. The board also considered the fitness situations of important players, including Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
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BCCI Gives Clear Update on Rohit Sharma's ODI Future
During the media brief after the review meeting, the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said there is a "status quo" on Rohit Sharma. He also praised the veteran batter and stated, “He is playing brilliantly.”
"He is playing superbly in all matches. What more do you want? In the last match, he scored 130-140 runs. So why is there speculation? I do not want to give fodder to the speculators," Devajit Saikia on Rohit Sharma and Retirement speculation" BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said.
The comments might have likely provided some clarity over Rohit’s immediate ODI future. There had been reports that the former India captain could be left out after the third ODI against England at Lord’s on July 19, with selectors looking to give Yashasvi Jaiswal more opportunities ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
If Rohit Sharma Is Still Not Picked, Players That Can Realistically Replace Him?
If Rohit is eventually left out of the 2027 ODI World Cup, India will have several options to consider.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal - He is the most obvious long-term replacement for Rohit Sharma in ODIs. The young opener is viewed as a major part of India's plans for the 2027 World Cup as a back-up opener. He has opened in six ODIs, scoring 285 runs at an average of 71.25 and a strike rate of 97.60.
- Ishan Kishan - He is another strong option, particularly because of his experience as an opener. The star player has been especially effective when opening in ODIs. In nine matches as an opener, he has scored 495 runs at a strike rate of 121.92. His left-handed batting also gives India variety at the top.
- Devdutt Padikkal - He is not currently the leading name to replace Rohit for the 2027 ODI World Cup, but his List A record makes him an option worth considering. He has played 42 List A matches, scoring 2,796 runs, including 13 centuries and 14 fifties. His best score is 152, while his List A batting average stands at 82.23.
Should India Actually Consider Rohit Sharma In The ODI World Cup 2027?
Pros: One of the biggest reasons Rohit Sharma should be included in the 2027 ODI World Cup is because of his experience alongside Virat Kohli. The second factor that can be considered in his selection is his performance at the ODI World Cups.
It is important to note that Rohit has been part of the 2015, 2019, and 2023 World Cups. He has made 1,575 runs in 28 innings at an average of 60.57 and a strike rate of 105.49, with 7 centuries and 6 fifties.
Cons: If there are reasons to back Rohit, there are also a few reasons against him. One of the primary facts that can go against him is his fitness and injury concerns. Another factor could be his poor form in South African conditions; he has featured in 14 matches and made just 256 runs at an average of 19.69 and a strike rate of 68.45.
