Kris Srikkanth Sends Clear Message to BCCI: "Lock In Rohit Sharma for World Cup 2027"

In the wake of a brilliant resurgence by Rohit Sharma during the recent ODI series against Australia, former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth has made a bold call for the BCCI to secure Rohit’s place in India's squad for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. His unequivocal message comes at a time when the 38-year-old opener’s future in international cricket was being heavily debated, especially after losing the ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill earlier this year.

Resurgent Rohit Slams Critics

Rohit Sharma silenced doubters in style, notching a gritty 73 in tough conditions during the second ODI and following it up with a masterful, unbeaten 121 in the third ODI at Sydney. His Player of the Series performance came at a crucial juncture, with many questioning whether age and fitness would hinder his chances for another World Cup cycle. Srikkanth was clearly impressed:
"Rohit is a certainty for the 2027 World Cup. We can't play without him and Virat Kohli. He’s fit, batting well, and catching brilliantly at slips. What else do you need?" Srikkanth said, speaking on his YouTube channel, and urged the BCCI's selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, to commit publicly to both Rohit and Kohli’s spots for 2027.

"Don’t Bring Up the Age Issue"

Addressing the recurring narrative about Rohit and Kohli’s advancing age, Srikkanth drew attention to the fitness and hunger still on display:
"Don’t bring up this whole age issue that he’s touching 40… He just lost 11 kgs and looks super fit.” Srikkanth highlighted not just Rohit’s composure with the bat but also his agility on the field, referencing two excellent slip catches and partnerships, including the unbeaten 168-run stand with Kohli in Sydney.

A Long Road and Clear Expectations

While the selection baton has now passed to a younger leadership group with Shubman Gill at the helm, Srikkanth and several former cricketers contend that the experience brought by players like Rohit and Kohli is irreplaceable in key tournaments. Dinesh Karthik, among others, has echoed the sentiment that Rohit has designs on one last World Cup push before retiring, motivated by the heartbreak of narrowly missing a World Cup captaincy win in 2023.

With the cricket world still abuzz about their recent performances—and Srikkanth’s words ringing loud—India’s selectors face mounting pressure to back proven match-winners and communicate their intentions clearly to both players and fans.