Rahane wants India to stop questioning Rohit Sharma and guarantee him World Cup place

Recent reports have cast doubt over Rohit Sharma's place in India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with suggestions that the national selection committee may not be entirely convinced about the veteran opener's future. The uncertainty emerged following India's ODI series in England last month, when media reports initially claimed Rohit was likely to end his international career at the conclusion of that tour. Although the BCCI secretary and Rohit himself dismissed those rumours, fresh reports have indicated that selectors are considering moving forward without the experienced batter ahead of the World Cup.

An internal rift has erupted between India's selection panel and BCCI top hierarchy over Rohit's future. The selection committee, headed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir, reportedly informed Rohit that the team management intends to phase him out to build a younger squad around players like Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, support for the veteran remains at board level, creating a divide over his 2027 World Cup prospects.

Ajinkya Rahane, who retired from all forms of cricket earlier this month, has weighed in on the debate surrounding Rohit's future. The former India captain emphasised that the team management must provide clarity and certainty to the veteran opener rather than leaving his status uncertain.

"I think it’s important to tell Rohit Sharma that he’s going to play the 2027 World Cup. 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 said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Rahane stressed that mental freedom and rhythm are crucial for any player, regardless of experience level. A player's mindset and confidence directly impact performance, and constant reassessment undermines both.

"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," Rahane said.

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Rohit's credentials for the 2027 World Cup are well established. He was India's backbone in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cup editions, finishing as the team's highest run-scorer twice. During the recent England ODI series, he scored a century in the third match to underline his continued value to the team.

"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," Rahane concluded.