Former India opener Wasim Jaffer feels Rohit Sharma’s focus would be on playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup. He emphasized that the senior opener has made himself available, keeping the showpiece event in mind.
Jaffer opined that the Indian team management must have given Sharma clarity over his place in the side on the road to the ICC tournament. His comments came after the star batter was retained in the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match home series against West Indies.
The cricketer-turned-commentator said in his latest YouTube video:
“Knowing how the Indian team operates, they would have clarified this to him. But the media has the habit of talking about these things. Rohit Sharma is not the kind of player whom you’ll judge after two or three failures. He has done so much.”
Sharma silenced his critics with a splendid century in the ODI series decider against England in July. A few reports emerged ahead of the fixture, stating that it could have been the 39-year-old’s final match for India.
However, the seasoned campaigner responded to the retirement chatter with a terrific 138-run knock off 110 balls. He became the first Indian batter to hit an ODI ton at Lord’s.
“They should end this debate” – Wasim Jaffer on questions raised over Rohit Sharma’s ODI future
Jaffer also remarked that a proven player like Sharma should not be judged based on a few innings. He urged the Indian head coach and chief selector to put an end to the debate about Sharma’s place in the team.
He added in the same video:
“If Rohit Sharma has made himself available, his eyes will be on the 2027 World Cup. He is not working so hard to play bilaterals. So, I think Ajit Agarkar or Gautam Gambhir should give that clarity. Rohit Sharma is beyond selection chatter. You cannot judge him on the basis of one or two innings. They should end this debate.”
The three-match ODI series between India and West Indies kicks off at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27.
Edited by Aditya Suketu Desai