Rohit Sharma should play 2027 World Cup: Ajinkya Rahane calls for BCCI clarity
Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide Rohit Sharma with clarity over his ODI future, backing the veteran opener to be part of India’s 2027 World Cup plans. Rahane believes India’s next World Cup campaign should not be clouded by repeated questions over whether Rohit will make the cut.
Rohit’s ODI future has remained a talking point despite his continued presence in India’s plans and a timely return to form at Lord’s. Speaking in an Idea Exchange interview, Rahane said Rohit’s place should not be assessed one series at a time.
“I think it is important to tell Rohit Sharma he is going to play the 2027 ODI World Cup,” Rahane said. “Just look at his contribution over several years. It has been amazing. You need the experience of such a player at a World Cup.”
Rahane believes India’s selectors should look beyond short-term fluctuations when assessing a player of Rohit’s stature. He argued that experience becomes particularly valuable in high-pressure World Cup matches.
“There should be no discussions around it. You can’t look at it series by series because he is such a big player,” Rahane added.
Rohit’s future has come under renewed scrutiny despite his ability to produce decisive performances. Reports earlier suggested that the England ODI series could be his last, but he answered those questions with a spectacular 138 off 110 balls at Lord’s.
That innings came after scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches of the series and served as another reminder of the difference between a player’s overall value and his form over a short stretch. Rohit remains part of India’s squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning October 19.
RAHANE GIVES SAME BACKING TO KOHLI
Rahane’s support was not limited to Rohit. He also made a case for Virat Kohli to be given the freedom and backing to continue towards the 2027 World Cup.
“We should let them play freely. Everyone gets to that stage in their careers, but seniors also like it when the captain and the team management back them. Let them just play till the 2027 World Cup,” he said.
The former India batter also stressed that form can move in cycles, making it unfair to draw sweeping conclusions from a handful of matches.
“Cricket is a game of rhythm, whether you are a youngster or an experienced player. There is no need to talk about his quality. There should be no debate. If he wants to play the 2027 World Cup, he should play,” Rahane said.
ROHIT’S EXPERIENCE VS INDIA’S NEXT GENERATION
Rahane’s argument comes at an interesting stage of India’s ODI transition. Rohit will be close to 40 by the time the 2027 World Cup arrives, while the team management is simultaneously assessing younger options for the future.
Yet Rohit’s record and recent ability to produce major innings remain difficult to overlook. His 138 at Lord’s was preceded by a 79 against Afghanistan earlier in 2026, showing that the opener can still make a significant impact when he finds his rhythm.
The selectors, however, will ultimately have to balance experience with fitness, consistency and India’s evolving batting options.
Rahane knows the uncertainty that can surround senior players, but he chose not to revisit his own selection struggles after retirement. His message to India’s current veterans is simpler: if the team wants them around for 2027, backing them clearly could allow them to focus on doing what they have done for years, winning matches for India.
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