Former Indian player Dilip Vengsarkar showed disappointment over the doubts surrounding veteran India opener Rohit Sharma’s place in the ODI side ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit is India’s third-leading ODI runscorer with almost 12,000 runs, including 34 centuries, in 288 matches as well. Yet, his place in the 50-over side in the build-up to next year’s World Cup became uncertain, especially during India’s previous ODI series in England.
Talking about this in a conversation with Revsportz, Vengsarkar said: “It is very unfortunate because he has consistently scored runs in big games and won so many matches for India. Yet, questions continue to be raised about his ability, which is disappointing. As for whether Rohit Sharma will play in the next World Cup, I don’t know. There is still a lot of cricket left in him, and it will depend on his performances and fitness. But I certainly believe there is a spot for him among the openers.”
“Very difficult to say in all formats. The thing is that you have to pick the best XI and then pick the captain because the captain should be an automatic choice in the playing XI. Shubman Gill is a fantastic player. I like his batting and his style as well. The way he led the side in England was simply unbelievable. He did so well as a captain and as a batsman,” he stated.
READ HERE: Shubman Gill Breaks Silence On ODI Futures Of Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli
Dilip Vengsarkar also believes Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has a limited role in the team’s results, considering the players have a much bigger say in the outcome as well.
“A coach can play a part in planning and strategising for the match and the training sessions. But that is where his role ends. Then the players have to implement those plans on the ground. If the players don’t implement them, that determines victory or defeat. So, the coach’s job is limited in the sense that he can do only so much outside the field. The players have to implement the plans,” said Vengsarkar again.
“He has done a good job and taken some good decisions. We have won two World Cups and the Champions Trophy. So, that’s a good thing. That’s a good performance by the selectors as well. Selectors don’t get that much credit, which I think they should. Ajit deserves credit for what he has done,” he concluded.
