'Tell Rohit Sharma he’s going to play': Former India batter sends strong message to selectors over 2027 World Cup

Former India cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has openly backed Rohit Sharma for donning the blue jersey in the 2027 ODI World Cup which will be played in South Africa. The former India batter urged the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee to give proper clarity to a senior player like Rohit to have better results on the field.

Ajinkya Rahane backs Rohit Sharma

While opening up on Rohit Sharma's contribution in Indian cricket, Ajinkya left no chance to praise his former teammate saying that the Men in Blue would need his contribution in the ODI World Cup 2027, as he is very experienced and knows how to tackle tough situations at South African pitches. Rahane also mentioned that giving assurance of having a spot in the ODI WC to Rohit is very important and selectors should not judge on the basis of each series passing.

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"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. 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," said Rahane.

While continuing, Rahane argued that big players should be treated with respect as cricket is all about having a good rhythm which is achieved by having a clear mind. Hence, Rohit should be given the right frame of mind, as his experience could be the guiding light for the Indian team in a big tournament like ODI World Cup.

"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, 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. So about Rohit’s quality—there’s no need to even speak. 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," added Rahane.

Rohit Sharma's recent form in ODIs

In 2026 Rohit Sharma has played a total of eight ODIs so far, where he managed to amass 300 runs at an average of 37.50 with a strike rate of 92.5 with the help of one century. Rohit seemed to regain a bit of form with the help of his 138-run knock against England in the third ODI at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

It will be interesting to see if Rohit gets chance to play again for the Men in Blue in the upcoming ODI series against West Indies starting September 27.