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A war of words has sparked regarding Rohit Sharma’s chances in the upcoming ODI World Cup. Rohit’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad takes a jab at Saba Karim, as the former Team India selector makes Rohit Sharma doubtful to play the 2027 World Cup.
Amid concerns over Rohit Sharma’s fitness ahead of the India vs Afghanistan 3-match ODI series, the former national team selector stated that Rohit would have to do a lot of hard work to conform their spot in the World Cup squad. In response, Dinesh Lad, Rohit’s childhood coach, raises a crucial question to Saba Karim.
Why only Rohit? Dinesh Lad raises a question to Saba Karim
Dinesh Lad states that the upcoming month is not only crucial for Rohit Sharma but for all of the players who are in contention to make their way into the final squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Lad, with sheer confidence, says that his student will definitely participate in the tournament, and will definitely do well in the next six months and later as well.
“Why are the next six months crucial only for Rohit? It's crucial for all players. Everyone needs 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 do well during these six months and the following months as well. If you give him an opportunity, he will do well,” Lad opines via the new agency PTI.
VIDEO | Former India captain Rohit Sharma's formative coach Dinesh Lad, takes a dig at former India selector Saba Karim, who said that Rohit would have to "do a lot of heavy lifting" in the next six months and prove both his fitness and batting form to remain in the selectors'… pic.twitter.com/eYwjXGQMCs
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 5, 2026
Former selector made controversial comments on Rohit Sharma
On June 5, Saba Karim told PTI that Rohit Sharma will have to do a lot of hard work on his fitness and on his batting ahead of the ODI World Cup, as the selectors could keep a keen eye on the opener. According to Karim, Rohit’s place in the final squad will be dependent on his performance in the next six months.
“I think Rohit has to do a lot of hard work. He has to work on his fitness levels and on his batting performance. I think selectors will be keenly watching Rohit's performance for the next six months to decide whether he can be part of the equation or not.
Rohit's fitness is of concern
Currently, Rohit is healing from a hamstring injury that he received during the IPL 2026 campaign. Due to the hamstring issue, he missed a few matches for the Mumbai Indians. Later, when he returned to action, he played as an impact batter. Ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against, his fitness is under the scanner.
As per the previous reports, if things go according to plan, then he could join the team ahead of the first match of the ODI series, which is scheduled to start from June 13 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharmashala.
In IPL 2026, Rohit Sharma played 9 matches for the Mumbai Indians to score 283 runs at an average of 35.37 and a strike rate of 157.22. In those nine games, there were only two half-centuries from ‘Hitman’s bat.
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