Rahane wants India to stop questioning Rohit Sharma and guarantee him World Cup place: ‘You can’t go series by series’

Ajinkya Rahane has urged the team management to stop debating Rohit Sharma’s future and approach the situation with greater clarity

There was much speculation about Rohit Sharma’s future in international cricket last month during the ODI series in England. The uncertainty peaked with a media report claiming that the former India captain was likely to end his career at the end of the tour. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and Rohit himself subsequently put those rumours to rest, but questions over his future have continued, with a fresh report suggesting that the selectors may not be entirely convinced about having him in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad.

India's Rohit Sharma plays a shot during 3rd ODI against England, at Lord's in London on Sunday. (ANI Pic Service)

Amid the uncertainty, former India teammate Ajinkya Rahane, who retired from all forms of cricket earlier this month, has urged the team management to stop debating Rohit’s future and approach the situation with greater clarity. Rahane made it clear that he wants Rohit in India’s World Cup squad, telling The Indian Express that there should not have been any debate over the matter given the opener’s contribution to Indian cricket and the experience he can bring to a high-stakes tournament.

“I think it’s important to tell Rohit Sharma that he’s going to play the 2027 World Cup,” Rahane said. “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 also stressed the importance of giving experienced players clarity over their roles, arguing that a player’s rhythm and mindset can be affected when his place is constantly under scrutiny.

“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, whether 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.”

“As for Rohit’s quality, there’s no need to even speak about it. Such experience is needed in the team, so this debate shouldn’t even happen between the team management and the captain. Agar unko khelna hai 2027 World Cup, toh unko khelna hai,” he added. (If he wants to play in the 2027 World Cup, then he should play.)

Rohit’s World Cup future back in focus

Saikia had earlier dismissed reports that the third ODI in England would be Rohit’s final appearance in the format. Rohit then responded in emphatic fashion, scoring a brilliant century in the match to underline his value to the side.

However, speculation resurfaced days later after a Dainik Jagran report claimed that the selectors and the BCCI top brass were not entirely on the same page over Rohit’s future. The report suggested that while there was support for the veteran at the board level, the selectors were considering moving on from him ahead of the 2027 World Cup.