Former BCCI selector Kris Srikkanth still feels sorry for not picking Rohit Sharma in India's ODI World Cup squad. Winning the World Cup represents the pinnacle of achievement for any nation and its players, requiring an extraordinary collective effort to secure that iconic golden trophy. In 2011, India reached this summit, ending a 28-year drought to claim their second title since their inaugural win in 1983. Under MS Dhoni's aegis, the team etched their names into history by becoming the first side to lift the World Cup on home soil. While the victory ignited immense joy across the nation, the path to glory was marked by difficult and debated selection decisions.
I told Rohit last year, I am sorry: Kris Srikkanth on RO's 2011 ODI World Cup
One of the most notable omissions from that squad was a young Rohit Sharma, who, despite his growing promise in ODI cricket at the time, was left out of the national side. While this exclusion was a significant setback for the future star, who would go on to become one of India’s most prolific white-ball batters, it was not a reflection of his lack of ability. Kris Srikkanth, the chairman of selectors during that period, later clarified that the decision was strategic. The management was operating under a specific 1983 blueprint, which prioritised a squad of multi-dimensional players who could contribute in various facets of the game over pure specialists, a philosophy that ultimately dictated the final team composition.
“I feel bad for him even today. I told Rohit last year, I am sorry, ‘I am sorry’. It's not by purpose, but it's just that we want to take those half all-rounders. Our thought process was similar to that of the 1983 World Cup,” Srikkanth told The Week.
Srikkanth’s selection philosophy for the 2011 World Cup centered on cultivating batting depth and versatility. By prioritising players capable of contributing with both the bat and ball, he ensured the team maintained numerous bowling options to address any situation.
Why was Rohit Sharma not picked in India's 2011 ODI World Cup squad?
This emphasis on multi-dimensional talent proved highly effective. The impact of these all-rounders was immense, none more so than Yuvraj Singh, who was named Player of the Tournament. Despite battling an undiagnosed illness at the time, Yuvraj’s contributions were pivotal; he tallied 362 runs and claimed 15 wickets across nine matches to guide India through critical moments. The team's flexibility was further bolstered by the presence of stars like Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, and Yusuf Pathan, all of whom provided valuable overs whenever required, underscoring the specific team dynamics Srikkanth sought to achieve.
Within this specific selection context, a young Rohit Sharma was left out despite a promising start to his international career. By the time of the 2011 World Cup, Rohit had already made his ODI debut against Ireland and accumulated over 1,200 runs across 57 matches, including seven half-centuries. His potential was particularly evident during the 2007–08 Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia, where he scored 235 runs. While he ultimately missed out on that historic World Cup triumph, these early statistics highlight the foundational talent that would eventually blossom into one of India’s most prolific white-ball batters.
“And at the end of the day, who was the Player of the Tournament? Yuvraj Singh, with the ball and bat. In some matches, Sehwag, Sachin and Suresh Raina would have bowled a few overs. Even Yusuf Pathan is a half all-rounder. So in all these things, unfortunately, what happened, this half all-rounder concept, Rohit Sharma, the poor fellow, could not find a place. He was actually good enough to play in the 2011 World Cup, but poor boy missed out,” Srikkanth concluded.
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