Rohit Sharma’s sensational century at Lord’s may have silenced many of his critics, but questions over his place in India’s ODI plans for next year’s World Cup continue to dominate discussions. While the veteran opener has responded in the best possible way with the bat, his long-term future remains under scrutiny as the Indian team management evaluates both form and fitness ahead of the marquee ICC event.
Speculation over Rohit’s future intensified following reports claiming that the selectors were preparing to move on from the former India captain and hand a greater role to young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, those reports were later dismissed by Rohit himself, current captain Shubman Gill, and the BCCI, all of whom denied that any such decision had been communicated. Despite the clarifications, there has been no official confirmation regarding Rohit’s place in India’s World Cup plans, leaving plenty of room for debate.
Former India all-rounder Madan Lal believes the discussion is unnecessary as long as Rohit continues to perform at the highest level. Speaking on Kadak, the 1983 World Cup winner said the selectors should only consider moving on from the opener if his performances no longer justify his place in the side.
ALSO READ: Harbhajan Singh Praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi For His Confidence
“The fitness level has to be very good because you’re playing international cricket and representing your country. There should be future planning as well. But Rohit Sharma has just scored a century. People spread rumours just because they know someone or want attention. Ultimately, it will be Rohit Sharma’s decision whether he wants to continue playing,” Madan Lal said.
The former India cricketer went a step further by challenging the selectors to leave Rohit out if they genuinely believe he no longer fits into the team’s plans.
Former Indian Cricketer & Selector Madan Lal Open Challenge to Indian Selectors on Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Retirement. @MadanLal1983 | @Dineshbedi6 | @cricketnext #rohitsharmaretirement #rohitsharma #madanlal #rohitsharmaretirement #teamindia #indiancricket pic.twitter.com/YLotaiGjUq
— Kadak (@itskadak) July 22, 2026
“If he’s playing and performing, let him continue. If the selectors think he’s not part of the future, then they should drop him. I’d like to see who has the courage to make that decision,” he added.
ALSO READ: Joe Root Climbs ICC ODI Rankings As India Stars Close Gap
Madan Lal insisted that performances should remain the only selection criterion. According to him, a player consistently scoring runs deserves to retain his place regardless of age or speculation surrounding future planning. “Every cricketer has to retire one day, but if Rohit Sharma is performing and wants to keep playing, then there shouldn’t be any debate. If someone tells him he’s not in the plans, he’ll naturally ask why, especially when he’s contributing with the bat,” Lal explained.
The former all-rounder also highlighted Rohit’s unique value to the Indian team, describing him as a match-winner capable of changing games single-handedly. Lal believes there are very few batters in world cricket who can dominate attacks the way Rohit does and argued that even if the opener wins two out of five matches for India, his impact makes him indispensable.
With the ODI World Cup approaching, Rohit Sharma’s performances and fitness will undoubtedly remain under the spotlight. However, after his commanding century at Lord’s and with strong backing from a World Cup-winning legend like Madan Lal, the veteran opener has once again strengthened his case to remain a key figure in India’s plans for cricket’s biggest tournament.
