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A war of words has erupted over Rohit Sharma’s prospects in the upcoming ODI World Cup. Rohit’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad took a dig at Saba Karim as the former Team India selector has made Rohit Sharma’s participation in the 2027 World Cup doubtful.
Amid concerns over Rohit Sharma’s fitness ahead of the India vs Afghanistan 3-match ODI series, the former national team selector said that Rohit will have to work hard to cement his place in the World Cup squad. In response, Rohit’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad asked Saba Karim an important question.
Why only Rohit? Dinesh Lad asked Saba Karim a question
Dinesh Lad says that the coming month is important not only for Rohit Sharma but for all the players who are in the race for a place in the final squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Lad says with full confidence that his student will definitely participate in the tournament and will definitely do well in the next six months and beyond.
“Why are the next six months important only for Rohit? It is important for all players. Everyone has to play well to retain their place in the team. I have a 100 per cent guarantee that Rohit will definitely play the 50-over World Cup in 2027… He will perform well during these six months and the next months too. If you give him a chance, he will perform well,” Lad said via new agency PTI.
Video | Former India captain Rohit Sharma’s formative coach Dinesh Lad took a dig at former India selector Saba Karim, who had said that Rohit “will have to do a lot” in the next six months and prove both his fitness and batting skills to remain in the selectors’ list. pic.twitter.com/eYwjXGQMCs
– Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 5, 2026
On June 5, Saba Karim told PTI that Rohit Sharma will have to work hard on his fitness and his batting before the ODI World Cup, as the selectors may keep a close eye on the opening batsman. According to Karim, Rohit’s place in the final team will depend on his performance in the next six months.
“I think Rohit has to work a lot. He has to work on his fitness levels and his batting performance. I think the selectors will be keenly watching Rohit’s performance for the next six months to decide whether he can be a part of the equation or not.
Rohit’s fitness is a matter of concern
Currently, Rohit is recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained during the IPL 2026 campaign. Due to hamstring problem, he could not play some matches for Mumbai Indians. Later, when he returned to action, he played as an impressive batsman. His fitness is under question before the three-match ODI series against India.
As per previous reports, if things go as per plan, he could join the team before the first match of the ODI series starting from June 13 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala.
In IPL 2026, Rohit Sharma played 9 matches for Mumbai Indians and scored 283 runs at an average of 35.37 and strike rate of 157.22. In those nine matches, ‘Hitman’ scored only two half-centuries.
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