‘You can’t go series by series’: Ajinkya Rahane demands clarity over Rohit Sharma’s World Cup spot | Cricket News
Rohit Sharma‘s 2027 World Cup future has become a talking point again, but former India teammate Ajinkya Rahane believes there should be no uncertainty surrounding the veteran opener’s place in the squad.Rahane, who retired from all forms of cricket last month, has called on the Indian team management to give Rohit a clear commitment over his World Cup future rather than assessing his place from one series to another.The debate around Rohit’s international career intensified during India’s ODI tour of England last month. Speculation grew after a media report claimed that the former India captain could call time on his career at the end of the tour.Those reports were subsequently dismissed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and Rohit himself. The uncertainty, however, has not completely disappeared, with reports now suggesting that the selectors may have reservations about including the veteran in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Rahane, though, feels there should be no discussion about Rohit’s place if the opener is willing to continue until the 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.”According to Rahane, constantly questioning an experienced player’s position can have an impact on his mindset and rhythm. He believes players perform best when they know where they stand within the team.“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 also insisted that Rohit’s credentials and experience should not be up for debate, particularly with a major tournament such as the 2027 World Cup on the horizon.“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.)The latest round of speculation comes despite Rohit making a strong statement on the field during the England series.Saikia had previously rejected reports that the third ODI against England would be Rohit’s final match in the format. Rohit followed that up with a commanding century in the game, providing a timely reminder of his value to the Indian side.Yet, the questions returned shortly afterwards. Some media reports claimed that the BCCI leadership and selectors were not completely aligned on Rohit’s future. While the report suggested there was support for the veteran within the board’s top brass, it also stated that the selectors were considering moving on from him before the 2027 World Cup.With the tournament still ahead, Rohit’s future remains a subject of discussion. Rahane, however, believes India should make its decision clear and allow the experienced opener to focus on preparing for the biggest ODI assignment on the calendar.
