“It is very unfortunate” – Former India captain’s backs Rohit Sharma for 2027 World Cup

Former India captain and National Selector Dilip Vengsarkar has backed Rohit Sharma amid questions over his spot in India’s ODI side, ahead of the upcoming series against West Indies.

Rohit, who was subject to conversations surrounding his place in the side during the last series against England, has been named in the side for the home series and will be expected to slot into the top of the order once more. The mercurial opener silenced doubters with a breathtaking 138 off 110 balls at Lord’s, becoming the first Indian batter to record an ODI century at the iconic venue.

Vengsarkar backed the Mumbai man, stating that he has a lot of cricket left to play and will need to ensure his performances and fitness are up to the mark in order to contest for a place in the 2027 ODI World Cup.

“It is very unfortunate because he has consistently scored runs in big games and won so many matches for India. Yet, questions continue to be raised about his ability, which is disappointing. As for whether Rohit Sharma will play in the next World Cup, I don’t know. There is still a lot of cricket left in him, and it will depend on his performances and fitness. But I certainly believe there is a spot for him among the openers,” Vengsarkar said, speaking to RevSportz.

Vengsarkar also showered high praise on Shubman Gill, who is Rohit’s opening partner in the ODI. He lauded the skipper for his exemplary leadership on his maiden tour of England as captain, where he also had a prolific run with the bat.

“Very difficult to say in all formats. The thing is that you have to pick the best XI and then pick the captain because the captain should be an automatic choice in the playing XI. Shubman Gill is a fantastic player. I like his batting and his style as well. The way he led the side in England was simply unbelievable. He did so well as a captain and as a batsman,” Vengsarkar added.