Former India chief selector Chetan Sharma has backed Rohit Sharma to continue playing for India at the 2027 ODI World Cup, insisting that age should not become a barrier if the veteran batter remains fit and continues contributing with the bat. The 2027 ODI World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with questions already being raised about the future of several senior Indian players.
Rohit’s place in the team has been a particular talking point, but Chetan Sharma believes performance and fitness should remain the key factors in selection. Chetan Sharma, who served as India’s chief selector from December 2020 to February 2023, compared Rohit with Virat Kohli while highlighting their importance to Indian cricket. The former pacer, who played 23 Tests and 65 ODIs between 1984 and 1994, also backed the experienced duo to continue as long as they remain capable of delivering.
“I can understand that people are saying a hundred things. I have been a cricketer too, so I respect and love them as cricketers. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the ‘Kohinoors’ of Indian cricket. Age is just a number. If they are good, then why not (can they continue),” Chetan Sharma told The Times of India.
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He pointed to Rohit’s century against England at Lord’s as evidence that the opener can still make a major impact in ODI cricket. Rohit scored 138 in the third ODI on July 19, while Kohli has also continued to produce important performances.
“I myself was a selector. Rohit recently scored a century (138 against England at Lord’s in third ODI on July 19). Virat, every game he gets one. Then what is the problem? We want players who can win games for us, and they both are capable of doing it,” he added.
Sharma also recalled Rohit’s leadership during India’s second T20 World Cup triumph, which ended a 17-year wait for the title. He believes Indian cricket should value what senior players have delivered rather than focusing solely on their age.
“I love watching them when they come and bat for India and they win trophies for us. Rohit won us a trophy after so many years (when he captained India to their second T20 World Cup triumph, and first in 17 years). We should be grateful. We should not listen to other people,” Chetan Sharma said.
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He further stressed that fitness and runs should determine whether Rohit and Kohli continue. “If they are fit, they are getting the runs, then why not? I am asking this question to everyone,” he said.
Chetan Sharma’s comments come as Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector approaches its reported end on October 4, 2026. Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had sought to ease uncertainty surrounding Rohit’s ODI future following a September 3 review meeting at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. With the 2027 World Cup still ahead, Rohit’s future will remain closely watched as India assess experience, fitness and current form.
