BCCI and selectors split over Rohit Sharma’s place in 2027 World Cup squad
Over the last few weeks a dispute has emerged within Indian cricket between the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the national selection committee over Rohit Sharma’s potential inclusion in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, a disagreement that has surfaced as the team prepares for a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka following a difficult tour of the UK.
India’s immediate focus has shifted to the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, and discussions have begun on plans for the 2027 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played from October 04 to November 21, 2027, in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. With several senior players approaching the end of their careers, selectors are said to be balancing the introduction of younger talent against retaining experience in the side. Over the last few weeks India have seen several major developments related to leadership and squad planning as part of that process.
A Dainik Jagran report states that some members of the selection panel do not want Rohit Sharma included in the 2027 World Cup squad and that those selectors communicated to Rohit he was not part of their plans. The same report says the BCCI has taken a different position and publicly backed the senior opener during India’s England ODI series, creating the internal disagreement.
During the England ODI series Rohit produced scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches, and media reports at the time suggested the third ODI at Lord’s would be his last appearance for India. Instead, Rohit scored 138 at Lord’s and became the first Indian batter to register an ODI century at that venue.
The coverage says there has been no official confirmation that Rohit is excluded from future ODI plans and that he remains available for India. The report adds that the final selection decision is expected to rest on players’ performances and fitness over the coming year rather than on current speculation.
The same Dainik Jagran article also claims the BCCI is considering changes to the selection committee and that former India batter VVS Laxman has been discussed as a possible replacement for Ajit Agarkar, though no official announcement has been made.
Selectors retain opportunities to reassess options because India still have plenty of ODI cricket remaining before the World Cup, giving them time to evaluate players on form and fitness ahead of the tournament scheduled for October 04 to November 21, 2027.