Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has declared that India ODI captain Rohit Sharma must be backed to continue in the position as the team quietly builds for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit, who had stepped down from his role as Test captain with his retirement in May, has been placed a cloud of uncertainty with regards to his 50-overs future after Shubman Gill’s rapid long-format success during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England.
Concerns over age and fitness surrounding both Rohit and Virat Kohli have been placed as the two batting stalwarts will be 40 and 39, respectively, by the time the next World Cup rolls on in late November 2027.
‘Who can replace Rohit?
Rayudu brushed aside all concerns over the ODI batting giant, insisting that Rohit must be backed to lead the side after having clinched the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Despite having a mixed tournament with the bat, Rohit lit up the final against New Zealand, smashing a match-winning 76 in Dubai.
“You need Rohit Sharma to lead. Looking ahead, the goal is to win the World Cup. At the end of the day, we are all Indians. At that time, the only question is, who can win it for us? That is how you have to approach ICC tournaments. What happens two years later, who becomes what, nobody knows. Nothing is certain. The only thing that matters is, at that time, especially in ICC tournaments, who can win for India? Who can win for the country?”
“If Rohit Sharma, as captain, can win it for us, then Rohit should remain captain. If Rohit makes up his mind, maintains his fitness, and wants to play, then tell me one single person today who can replace him in ODI cricket. What he brings to the table is enormous. Rohit has to play,” he asked on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast.
Rohit remains as the second-highest active run-scorer in the ODI format with 11,168 runs at an average of 48.76 and 92.80 strike rate, comprising 58 half-centuries and 32 centuries.
Kohli in, 100 percent
Rayudu also said India will need the services of ODI maestro Kohli at number three at the World Cup slated to be held in Africa.
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“100%, in my opinion, he (Kohli) should play. Because at number three, to control the middle order, Virat is very important. ODI is a different format, it’s not just about hitting. You have to play the long format and also the short format within it. When it comes to balance, there is no one better than Virat in that format.”
