Ajinkya Rahane Urges Selectors to Assure Rohit Sharma of 2027 World Cup Spot

Ajinkya Rahane has sent a strong message to India’s selectors, urging them to assure Rohit Sharma that he will be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

Rahane believes India’s management should not assess Rohit’s place on a series-by-series basis. Instead, he feels the veteran opener should be given clarity well in advance so that he can prepare with a free mind for the major tournament.

Rahane strongly backs Rohit for 2027 World Cup

While discussing Rohit’s contribution to Indian Cricket, Rahane highlighted the former captain’s immense experience and ability to handle pressure in challenging conditions.

Rahane believes India’s selectors should recognise Rohit’s value and provide him with the assurance that he will be part of the 2027 World Cup campaign.

“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.”

Rahane argued that Rohit should not have to worry about his position after every individual series. According to him, giving the experienced batter certainty could help him maintain the rhythm and confidence required at the highest level.

‘You can’t go series by series’ on Rohit

Rahane further stressed that senior players need clarity, particularly when they have already established themselves as proven performers for India.

“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.”

The former India batter also explained that cricket is heavily influenced by rhythm and mindset. He believes uncertainty over selection can affect even experienced players, making clarity from the team management particularly important.

Rahane highlights Rohit’s experience

Rahane believes Rohit’s experience could prove extremely valuable in South African conditions during the 2027 ODI World Cup. Having played international cricket for many years, Rohit has considerable experience of handling pressure in major tournaments.

Rahane added that the debate over Rohit’s quality should not even arise given what he has achieved for Indian cricket.

“Cricket is about rhythm. No matter how many matches you’ve played, if 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.”

He concluded by making his position clear on Rohit’s potential participation in the 2027 World Cup.

“Such experience is needed in the team, so this debate shouldn’t even happen with team management and the captain. Agar unko khelna hai 2027 World Cup, toh unko khelna hai.”

Rohit Sharma’s ODI numbers in 2026

Rohit has played eight ODIs in 2026 so far, scoring 300 runs at an average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 92.5.

The veteran batter has also registered one century during the year. His most notable performance came against England at Lord’s, where he scored a magnificent 138 in the third ODI.

With India’s next ODI assignment against the West Indies scheduled to begin on September 27, attention will now turn to whether Rohit returns to the national side and continues his preparations for the 2027 World Cup.