Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir- (Source: AFP)
Indian cricket is going through an interesting transition at this point. The Men in Blue are struggling in Tests, while dominating the T20I set-up. However, ODIs is one format where the management is yet to decide whether to include Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli in their plans or exclude the two veterans out of their 2027 World Cup plans.
Talking about the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan, India only have Rohit Sharma as Virat Kohli is out because of a hamstring injury. A lot is at stake for the hitman against the Afghans because three bad games and the debate about his place in the team will resurface.
Rohit Sharma Coming To Afghanistan Series Amid Poor Phase
Shedding light on Rohit, the 39-year-old is fresh off a poor IPL 2026. The hitman amassed just 283 runs in 9 innings. Besides the poor form, Rohit Sharma’s fitness too came under the scanner. The MI opener missed 5 matches for the five-time winners because of a hamstring injury.
Rohit’s fitness again raised questions about whether the right-handed batter will be able to remain fit for the 2027 ODI World Cup, as he will be 40 by that time.
Even with the bat, Rohit had a poor New Zealand series, where he scored 61 runs in 3 innings, averaging 20.33. Hence, a section of fans has already begun scrutinising the former India captain.
Rohit Sharma’s Latest Training Acts Concern Fans
A ticket to the 2027 ODI World Cup or not is a separate debate, but Rohit’s presence within the group itself screams authority. The itman has guided India to two ICC trophies, and team members look up to him despite Shubman Gill being the captain.
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However, a report from Times of India mentioned that ahead of the 1st ODI between India and Afghanistan, Rohit was quite secluded from the group, and his training schedule too hinted that his India days are nearly over.
The report added that Rohit had no say or advise in the team meeting, which is quite opposite to his personality. Further, to keep a player of Rohit’s stature out of the think tank too speaks volume about management’s decision-making and the direction in which they want to go forward.
Not just that, but India head coach Gautam Gambhir was more actively involved in the game-plan discussion with Shubman Gill than Rohit Sharma. Also, Rohit went to bat in the nets for the second time, only when the rest of the group had wrapped up their session.
Rohit Sharma was also involved in some solo fielding drills, sparking fears of just being a part of the team, knowing that he won’t go to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rohit Struggling In India Nets
Notably, during the training session, Rohit Sharma struggled in the nets. A report from TOI mentioned that the hitman was very scratchy and couldn’t get going. The 39-year-old was hit on the thumb by one of Prasidh Krishna’s delivery.
Later, Rohit produced a thick outside edge off Arshdeep Singh’s bowling. Hence, the Indian opener returned to the nets later on for a second session to regain the lost rhythm.
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