Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Rohit Sharma will continue to play a key role in India’s ODI plans and has backed the veteran opener to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. With Rohit set to return during the upcoming three-match ODI series against England in July, Rayudu feels the Indian team management has already made its intentions clear regarding the skipper’s future. According to him, Rohit’s experience, leadership qualities and ability to thrive under pressure make him an indispensable part of India’s World Cup plans.
Speaking to a select group of journalists, Ambati Rayudu said clarity over Rohit’s future is crucial, and he is confident that the selectors and team management have already had those discussions with the veteran batter, even if they have not been made public. “I think clarity is important for him and I am sure they would have given it to him. Maybe they are not just giving us the clarity.”
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“His experience is invaluable as a leader, not only on the ground but in the dressing room, to keep the atmosphere nice and that is very important going into a big tournament. I am sure he is in the plans and that is the reason why he is persisted with. I am sure he will step up in a big tournament and even against England, he will be hungry and raring to go.”
The discussion around India’s ODI top order has intensified in recent months, particularly with Yashasvi Jaiswal making a strong case for a permanent place in the side. However, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill firmly established as India’s preferred opening pair, the youngster may have to wait longer for consistent opportunities.
Despite the competition for places, Rayudu believes there is room for both Rohit and Jaiswal in India’s long-term plans. While Rohit’s experience remains irreplaceable, he feels Jaiswal should continue travelling with the squad and be given enough opportunities so he is fully prepared whenever the team needs him, especially during a major ICC tournament.
“For me, both have a place if given a choice. Rohit definitely should be in the plans for the World Cup. You need all that experience to come to the fore to encounter tough challenges which might arise in the World Cup. When it comes to Jaiswal, I think he deserves his opportunity and there is no doubt about it. He will get his due but he should be prepared to contribute in the World Cup and should be a part of the team going forward.”
Rohit heads into the England series in encouraging form after a productive ODI series against Afghanistan. The Indian captain scored 143 runs in three matches at an average of 47.66 while maintaining an impressive strike rate of 115.32. Jaiswal also strengthened his credentials by smashing an unbeaten 110 off just 86 deliveries in the final ODI, further increasing the selection debate ahead of England.
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Another major talking point ahead of the England tour is the return of Virat Kohli. The former India captain missed the Afghanistan series due to injury but is expected to be back in India’s playing XI. Ambati Rayudu recalled Kohli’s difficult tour of England in 2014 before praising the veteran batter’s remarkable ability to overcome setbacks through discipline and preparation.
“A guy like him, who is so meticulous with his processes, training, and methodology, knows there will be ups and downs. When you are so focused and your training is so proper, you know that those lows will not last for a long time. For him, it has been the process and he has set the bar. A lot of youngsters have tried to emulate it and have really benefited from what he has done and learning from it. He has been a great example.”
Rayudu also shared his thoughts on Ishan Kishan’s future in India’s ODI setup. Kishan impressed while filling in during Kohli’s absence against Afghanistan, but the former cricketer acknowledged that the left-hander will likely make way once Kohli returns.
However, Ambati Rayudu believes Kishan’s long-term future lies in the middle order rather than at the top. “It is great that Ishan is part of the ODI setup. I see him eventually batting at four, as it is an ideal spot for him, being a left-hander. He and Shreyas can have that role of four and five. That will be a very formidable four and five for India going forward.”
With the ODI World Cup 2027 still some distance away, India’s selection decisions over the next year will shape the squad’s core. If Rayudu’s prediction proves accurate, Rohit Sharma’s experience, Virat Kohli’s consistency and the emergence of youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan could provide India with the perfect blend of youth and experience heading into another World Cup campaign.
