Will Rohit Sharma play the ODI World Cup 2027? Concerns are reportedly growing within the Board of Control for Cricket in India over the veteran opener’s fitness ahead of next year’s marquee event in South Africa.
Rohit, who turned 39 in April, has represented India in three ODI World Cups so far. He came closest to lifting the trophy in 2023 when he captained India to the final, only to lose against Australia national cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
According to a report by The Times of India, selectors and team management are uncertain whether Rohit will be able to maintain the fitness levels required to compete in the 50-over World Cup in October-November 2027.
The report added that the selectors faced a difficult call while finalising the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan national cricket team, especially regarding the fitness of both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Eventually, both players were picked, but concerns reportedly remain.
While there are questions around Hardik’s ability to consistently bowl ten overs in ODI cricket, the bigger worry within the BCCI setup is whether Rohit’s body can cope with the demands of international cricket at the age of nearly 40.
Rohit recently missed three weeks of IPL action due to a hamstring injury, and according to the report, selectors sought detailed fitness updates during that period.
“Rohit didn’t report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence 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,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by TOI.
The report also highlighted that India are already considering backup options for the future, with Yashasvi Jaiswal being viewed as a strong contender for the opener’s role.
Jaiswal has been regarded as one of India’s brightest batting talents in recent years and could add left-handed variety to an otherwise right-heavy Indian top order that currently includes Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya.
The report further stated that India do not have many ODI assignments before the World Cup, making it important to prepare backup options well in advance.
“There aren’t many ODIs before the World Cup. As it is, Jaiswal hasn’t got enough game time. Ishan Kishan has been picked so that he can double up as an opener. But if Rohit fails to make it to the World Cup and either Shubman Gill or Jaiswal gets injured, there needs to be another opener ready,” the source added.
