Former India wicketkeeper-batter Ambati Rayudu has backed veteran opener Rohit Sharma amid criticism over his inability to convert good starts into big scores. The cricketer-turned-commentator stated that Sharma is keen to deliver a big performance for India in the upcoming matches against England.
The ODI series in England is expected to play a key role in India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit was in good form during the recent ODI series against Afghanistan, scoring 143 runs in three matches at an average of 47.66. Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed an unbeaten 110 off 86 balls in the final ODI.
His Experience Is Invaluable" - Ambati Rayudu Backs Rohit Sharma for 2027 World Cup
Ahead of the England series, Ambati Rayudu said that Rohit Sharma should remain part of India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He said that Rohit's leadership and experience make him an important player both on and off the field.
"I think clarity is very important, especially for him. I'm sure they would have given him the clarity. Maybe they're not just giving us the clarity about Rohit Sharma. So, I just think his experience is invaluable."
"He needs to be there because he's a leader not only on the ground but also in the dressing room to keep the atmosphere really nice and that is very important when you go into a big tournament like the World Cup," Rayudu said on Sony Sports.
His Batting Is Always Sublime - Ambati Rayudu
Rayudu dismissed concerns over Rohit Sharma's form and motivation. He said the veteran opener remains in India's World Cup plans and believes he will raise his game in big tournaments and important series.
"I'm sure he's in the plans for the World Cup. I think that's the reason why he's been persisted with and his batting is always sublime. It's just that when you play for so many years, your hunger sometimes might not be as much as what it used to be. But definitely when a big tournament comes around, I'm sure he'll step up big time and even in a big series like the one that is coming up against England," he added.
Both Of Them Have a Place in the Indian Side - Ambati Rayudu on Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Ambati Rayudu also backed Yashasvi Jaiswal despite the youngster missing out on the England ODI squad. He said that both Jaiswal and Rohit deserve places in India's ODI setup, although Shubman Gill and Rohit remain the preferred opening pair for now.
"For me, both (Jaiswal and Rohit) of them have a place in the Indian side, if given a choice. Rohit definitely should be in the plans for the ODI World Cup. Not only because he's a great batsman, but also he's a fantastic leader because you need great leadership not only on the ground but also in the dressing room."
"In critical times, when the team is low, you need all that experience to come to the fore to prep the team up to encounter some really tough challenges which might arise in the World Cup. So you need a player like Rohit Sharma, a leader like Rohit Sharma and when it comes to Jaiswal, I think he deserves an opportunity," he said.
India will begin the England tour after a disappointing 2-0 T20I series defeat to Ireland. The tour includes five T20Is and three ODIs. Virat Kohli is also set to return after missing the Afghanistan ODI series with a hamstring injury.
