Follow UsFormer India wicketkeeper-batter and ex-selector Saba Karim has expressed doubts about Rohit Sharma’s place in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Rohit has not played competitive cricket since IPL 2025, and his last international appearance came during the Champions Trophy in February-March. And by the time the next World Cup arrives, he will be 40.
Although Rohit has been selected for India’s three-match ODI series in Australia starting October 19, he has been removed as ODI captain, with Shubman Gill taking over - a clear indication that his spot in the World Cup squad may not be guaranteed. In light of this, Karim questioned the very decision to include him in the Indian squad for the Australia series.
“If you haven’t made him the captain, then why are you still keeping him in the team? It clearly shows that you don’t see him as part of the future, that he won’t be there for the 2027 World Cup,” Karim said on the YouTube channel Kadak, as reported by The Indian Express.
“In that case, you shouldn’t keep a player in the team whom you don’t see as part of your plans for 2027. Then whether he remains captain or not, or even a player or not, doesn’t really matter. That’s why I said the selectors have acted in great haste with Rohit Sharma, and there was no need for it.”
In IPL 2025, Rohit scored 418 runs at an average of 29.85 with a strike rate of 149.28. However, his recent ODI numbers underline his continued quality. Since 2023, Rohit has amassed 1,714 runs in 37 innings at an average of 48.97 with a strike rate of 117.2.
Under Rohit’s leadership, India have lost only one out of 25 matches in the last three ICC events. The Men in Blue remained unbeaten in the 2023 ODI World Cup until their heartbreaking loss to Australia in the final.
Rohit then broke India’s ICC trophy drought by leading the team to the 2024 T20 World Cup title in the USA and West Indies, followed by another undefeated campaign in the 2025 Champions Trophy.