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Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has controversially asked the team management and selectors not to include Rohit Sharma in their plans for the ICC World Cup 2027, as the former captain’s ODI future is under discussion due to his age and fitness issues.
Sanjay Manjrekar believes the Men in Blue have enough time to build a strong team ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. He also stressed that the team management should focus on what is best for Indian cricket in the long run rather than just discussing Rohit and Virat Kohli.
Sanjay Manjrekar makes bold decision on Rohit Sharma’s ICC World Cup 2027 future
Amidst the huge discussion over Rohit’s place in India’s ICC World Cup 2027 squad, Sanjay Manjrekar feels the national selectors should now start thinking about the future instead of picking players just because they are big names.
Sanjay Manjrekar said in a viral video, “I guess I shouldn’t care about the controversy. I haven’t cared about it for so many years. So, we are in mid-2026, and the ODI World Cup is scheduled for the end of 2027. But we have a problem: when we make selections, we are thinking about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli instead of thinking about what is best for Indian cricket going forward.”
Sanjay Manjrekar wants young openers to get a big opportunity
Cricket pundits believe that the opening slot should be given to young players who are in their prime and can continue to serve India for the next five to ten years. Sanjay Manjrekar admitted that Virat Kohli is still presenting a strong case for himself with his consistent performances and excellent fitness, but when it comes to Rohit Sharma, he does not fit into his plans.
He further explained, “Opening in 50-over cricket is the most fun. It is like a great rehabilitation program. Anyone who is not in form should open in 50-over cricket or bat at No. 3 because you get opportunities to score runs. And I believe that these opportunities should be given to someone who is in his peak and can serve the team for the next five to ten years.”
Rohit Sharma is not my choice: Manjrekar wants India to prepare the next generation
Manjrekar has strongly suggested India to start grooming the next generation of openers instead of relying on Rohit for another ODI World Cup. He stressed that the future of the team should always come before any individual player, no matter how big that player is.
He signed off by saying, “If you keep thinking only about Rohit Sharma, I don’t think that’s the right approach. You have to look at Indian cricket and the future of Indian cricket. And that’s where I don’t think Rohit Sharma would be my choice in this team.”
Remove Rohit Sharma for India’s future? – Sanjay Manjrekar
:India should select the 2027 World Cup squad not just on the basis of big names, but on the basis of the future of the team. He believes that opening in ODIs is ideal for young players. He says that Rohit does not fit into his plans.pic.twitter.com/BgNOGvnjCI
– Sam (@cricsam02) June 26, 2026
Rohit Sharma’s stats can strengthen his claim, but fitness and form are important
Well, Rohit Sharma is aiming to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup after retiring from T20I and Test cricket. However, the former Indian captain’s place in the team will depend on his batting form, fitness and the long-term plans of the selectors.
He recently answered his critics by playing a brilliant inning of 79 runs in 69 balls against Afghanistan in Chennai and became the oldest Indian to score an ODI half-century at the age of 39 years and 51 days, breaking Mohinder Amarnath’s record.
Over the last two years, the right-handed opening batsman has scored 1,011 runs in 23 ODIs at an average of 43.96 and a strike rate of 105.09. He is also part of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming England tour. But by the ICC World Cup in 2027, Rohit will turn 40, and this is where his fitness and agility will play a vital role, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan emerging as his replacements.
