Ajinkya Rahane urges BCCI to confirm Rohit Sharma for 2027 World Cup
Ajinkya Rahane has called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India to give Rohit Sharma clarity about his One-Day International future and to confirm that he will be part of India's 2027 World Cup plans, speaking in an Idea Exchange interview published on August 10, 2026. Rahane said selectors should not assess Rohit on a series-by-series basis and argued for clear backing of India's senior players.
Rahane noted Rohit's continued presence in India's plans and pointed to a return to form at Lord's as part of his case for long-term selection. "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." He added that assessment should not be limited to short-term form swings.
Reports had suggested the England ODI series might be Rohit's final one, but Rahane highlighted a match-defining century as an answer to those suggestions. Rohit scored 138 off 110 balls at Lord's, an innings that followed scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches of that series. Rahane used that sequence to contrast a player's overall value with form over a brief period.
Star Sports posted on July 19, 2026: "A statement 100 from the HITMAN!Rohit Sharma brings up a sensational century and becomes the first Indian to score an ODI hundred at Lord's! #ENGvIND 3rd ODI Streaming LIVE on JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/sFnq0hRAHq" The broadcaster framed the innings as a landmark in the context of that specific match.
Rahane also pointed to other recent Rohit contributions when arguing for selection certainty, noting a 79 against Afghanistan earlier in 2026 that preceded the Lord's century. He acknowledged the uncertainty that can surround senior players but declined to revisit his own selection struggles after retirement.
Rahane extended his call for backing to another senior batsman, urging support for Virat Kohli as well. "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. Rahane also observed that "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," and noted selectors will have to weigh experience against fitness, consistency and India's evolving batting options as Rohit approaches the age he will be by 2027.
Rohit remains part of India's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, beginning October 19. Rahane's closing message to India's current veterans was: 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.
