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Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has controversially asked the team management and selectors not to include Rohit Sharma in their plans for the ICC World Cup 2027 amid the buzz over the former captain’s ODI future because of his age and fitness issues.
Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the Men in Blue have enough time to build a strong team before the 2027 ODI World Cup. He even stressed that the team management should focus on what is best for Indian cricket in the long run rather than discussing only Rohit and Virat Kohli.
Sanjay Manjrekar makes bold call on Rohit Sharma's ICC World Cup 2027 future
Amid the massive buzz 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 only because they are big names.
Sanjay Manjrekar said in a viral video, “I think I should not care about the controversy. I have not cared for so many years. So, we are in mid-2026, and the ODI World Cup is scheduled at the end of 2027. But we have one problem: when we make a selection, we are thinking about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Instead of thinking what is best for Indian cricket going forward.”
Sanjay Manjrekar wants young openers to get the big opportunity
The cricket pundit believes that the opening slot should be given to younger players who are at their peak and can continue serving India for the next five to ten years. Sanjay Manjrekar admitted that Virat Kohli is still making a strong case for himself with his consistent performances and excellent fitness, but when it comes to Rohit Sharma, he doesn’t fit in his plans.
He further explained, “Opening in 50-over cricket is the greatest fun. It's like a great rehabilitation program. Anybody who is out of form should open in 50-over cricket or bat at number 3 because you get opportunities to score runs. And I believe those opportunities should be given to someone who is in his prime and can serve the team for the next five to ten years going forward.”
Rohit Sharma is not my choice: Manjrekar wants India to prepare the next generation
Manjrekar has strongly suggested India to start preparing the next generation of openers instead of depending on Rohit for another ODI World Cup. He insisted that the team's future 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, then I don't think that's the right approach. You have got 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 squad.”
🔴 DROP ROHIT SHARMA FOR INDIA FUTURE? – SANJAY MANJREKAR 🤯
— Sam (@cricsam02) June 26, 2026
🎙️:India should pick 2027 WC squad based on the team's future, not just big names. He believes opening in ODIs is ideal for younger players in their prime. He says Rohit not fit in his plans.pic.twitter.com/BgNOGvnjCI
Rohit Sharma's numbers can strengthen his case, but fitness and form hold the key
Well, Rohit Sharma is aiming to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup after retiring from T20Is and Test cricket. However, the former Indian captain's place in the squad will depend on his batting form, fitness, and the selectors' long-term plans.
He recently answered his critics by hitting a stunning 79 off 69 balls in Chennai against Afghanistan and became the oldest Indian to hit an ODI fifty at 39 years and 51 days, breaking Mohinder Amarnath's record.
Over the last two years, the right-handed opener 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 be 40, and that’s where his fitness and agility will play a key role, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan emerging as his alternatives.
