Team India is now preparing a roadmap for the 2027 World Cup, which is scheduled in less than one and a half years from now in South Africa. Rohit Sharma remains the talk of the town.
Rohit is eventually picked for the three-match ODI series vs Afghanistan, subject to his fitness.
According to a report in TOI, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is worried about whether Rohit can play the 2027 World Cup at an optimum level.
The selectors are worried more for Rohit as he missed the Indian Premier League for three straight weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Rohit’s Form in IPL
Rohit Sharma has managed to score 283 runs in 8 matches he played at an average of 35.38, as he missed 6 games due to a hamstring injury.
Rohit Didn’t Report to COE
A BCCI Source Quoted TOI, stating:
‘Rohit didn’t report to the BCCI’s centre of excellence (CoE) for those three weeks. He has become lean, but there are concerns about his body being able to take the load of high-performance sport. He has to field for 50 overs. ODI cricket doesn’t have the option of an Impact Player like IPL. Body takes time to heal when you are so close to turning 40,”
Time for separate parameters for Rohit and Virat
Rohit and Virat will not be clubbed together now. It is learnt that BCCI and team management are considering moving out of clubbing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli together.
“At this moment, Kohli’s fitness and form are better than most cricketers in India. But one has to understand that Kohli and Rohit can’t be clubbed together anymore. A firm decision needs to be taken on Rohit after consulting the BCCI medical team,” the source quoted in a report in TOI.
Team Management is not convinced of Rohit’s stay in the shell approach.
It has also been observed that after Rohit Sharma was relieved of his Captaincy duty after the Champions Trophy 2025, he is playing against his ultra-aggressive approach, which does not convince the team management.
BCCI considering Backup Openers
BCCI wants to give backup openers ample amount of time so that they can get well prepared if Rohit is not fit till the 2027 World Cup
BCCI has shortlisted Yashasvi Jasiwal, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan as backup openers in case Rohit Sharma fails to get fit before the 2027 World Cup In South Africa
Now, if Rohit Sharma has to play the next year’s World Cup, which is his dream and ambition, he has to prove his fitness and form so that the BCCI can think of him as a potential opener for Team India’s chances in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
It will be interesting to see whether the veteran will be able to play the 2027 World Cup or not!