Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has praised Rohit Sharma’s selflessness amid the ongoing uproar over his future in the ODI team after being removed as captain. Bangar stressed that Rohit Sharma still has a big role to play for India, especially in the ICC World Cup 2027.
Rohit was named in the 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19 in Perth, with Shubman Gill making his debut as captain in the 50-over format.
Sanjay Bangar lauds Rohit Sharma’s team-first mentality; Support them for ICC World Cup 2027
Ahead of the much-awaited ODI series, Bangar highlighted Rohit’s selfless approach over the years, mentioning how the Indian opener has put the needs of the team above his own and played aggressive cricket in the first 10 overs in ODI cricket.
The former all-rounder insisted that as long as Rohit maintains his form and fitness, he fully deserves a place in India’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2027 in South Africa.
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Star Sports quoted Sanjay Bangar as saying, “Rohit Sharma wanted to set a different template. When India were not able to cross the last milestone in 50-over cricket, he took a big responsibility on himself to decide how he would bat in the first 10 overs.”
He has done many things for the benefit of the team. You want to see an extraordinary performance from Rohit Sharma because, based on the sentiment he has expressed and the interviews we have read, I think he is still very keen to play until the 2027 World Cup, and if he maintains his form and fitness, I think he absolutely deserves a place.
Sanjay Bangar wants Rohit Sharma to continue playing aggressive cricket in ODIs
Meanwhile, Rohit’s record against Australia is excellent, having scored 2,407 runs in 46 ODIs at an average of 57.30. Overall, the former Indian captain has 1168 runs in 273 ODI matches at an average of 48.76. However, Bangar believes that Rohit will continue his aggressive game in Australia.
He said, “He will try to play in the same style because the next World Cup is in South Africa. The Indian team has a chance here because they will not get many chances to play in such conditions. You will get to see such fast and bouncy pitches in South Africa also.”
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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma need to mentor Shubman Gill: Sanjay Bangar
Beyond his batting, Rohit’s presence in the dressing room will be important for new captain Shubman Gill. Cricket pundits have emphasized that both Rohit and Virat Kohli will play a vital role in helping Gill establish himself in the leadership.
The former batting coach reiterated that both Rohit and Kohli would like to start strong on the Australia tour because of their stature and the way they can contribute. Bangar also feels that Rohit, as a former captain, has a huge role in making a young captain comfortable.
He signed off by saying, “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have to give Shubman Gill the space to start his ODI career as captain, as he has done in Tests.”
It is noteworthy that Kohli is also making a comeback with the upcoming ODI series in Australia. Neither Rohit nor Virat have played for India since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 win in March.
