Rohit Sharma Distances Himself From India's 2027 World Cup Plans

Rohit Sharma [Source: AFP]

According to emerging reports, Hardik Pandya is all set to join the BCCI Centre of Excellence on June 2 ahead of the ODI series against Afghanistan on home soil.

The veteran allrounder made it into the India squad vs Afghanistan; however, his participation is subject to fitness clearance by the BCCI medical team.

Rohit Sharma was another player who was added to the team despite sustaining a hamstring injury mid-IPL. However, as it seems, the legendary cricketer has distanced himself from India's 2027 World Cup plans with his latest move.

Led by Shubman Gill, India will take on Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series as part of their 2027 World Cup preparations.

Rohit Sharma's fitness to decide his fate for IND vs AFG series

Notably, Rohit Sharma sustained a hamstring injury during Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 encounter against RCB. The Mumbaikar was retired hurt in that game and missed five subsequent matches for the franchise.

Although he made a comeback to MI's playing XI against Lucknow Super Giants, Rohit played as an impact player in the remainder of the season.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Not In Gambhir's 2027 World Cup Squad; Replacement Picked

Therefore, the BCCI selection committee made it mandatory for him to clear the fitness test at the BCCI CoE to confirm his participation in the Afghanistan series, which will mark India's first assignment leading up to the 2027 World Cup.

Rohit Sharma yet to join BCCI CoE, puts Afghanistan series in doubt

The Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee included both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya in the India ODI squad vs Afghanistan.

These two players were asked to report at the Bengaluru-based Centre of Excellence and receive a formal fitness clearance from the medical team to play the Afghanistan series.

While Hardik Pandya will join the CoE on June 2, the Times of India reported that there's no clarity on Rohit Sharma's arrival.

With the 2027 World Cup still more than a year away, the BCCI will closely monitor the fitness status of Rohit Sharma, who's already 39.

While his compatriot Virat Kohli is supremely fit and is one of the frontrunners to get into India's 2027 World Cup squad, the same thing can't be said about Rohit, whose career has lately been marred by injury setbacks.

So, the Afghanistan series holds significant importance for Rohit to prove his mettle and convince the selectors to remain in India's 2027 World Cup plans.

If he has yet to recover from the hamstring problem, the veteran batter might miss the home series against Afghanistan, thus jeopardising his chances of featuring in the World Cup next year.

Who could replace Rohit Sharma if he misses Afghanistan series?

India have included Ishan Kishan as the backup opener and wicketkeeper in their ODI squad for the Afghanistan series.

However, if they still need an opening batter, Yashasvi Jaiswal could make a comeback to the 50-over team. The southpaw played his last ODI game against South Africa in December 2025.

The India vs Afghanistan ODI series begins on June 13 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The Ekana Stadium will host the penultimate clash, while the decider will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.