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Dinesh Lad believes Rohit Sharma should play in the 2027 World Cup, saying he still has the hunger to contribute.
Rohit Sharma raises his bat after completing half-century in Champions Trophy 2025 final. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Rohit Sharma’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad believes that the opening batter should participate in the 2027 ODI World Cup, set to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November 2027.
Rohit, who led India to the Champions Trophy victory earlier this year, retired from Test cricket in May ahead of the England tour. The 38-year-old had previously announced his retirement from T20I cricket after the T20 World Cup win in Barbados last year.
With the ODI World Cup more than two years away and limited 50-over matches for India in the near future, speculation has arisen about Rohit’s future in the ODI format.
The veteran coach highlighted Rohit’s omission from the 2011 ODI World Cup and emphasised that the right-handed batter still possesses the “hunger and determination” to contribute to the country.
“Rohit Sharma should definitely play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Winning the trophy has always been his dream, and he missed out on being part of the victorious 2011 squad,” Lad was quoted as saying to IANS.
Will Rohit Be Captain Or Even Play For India Again?
However, Lad expressed uncertainty about Rohit’s future as a leader but supported his inclusion in the next ODI World Cup.
“Whether he leads the team or not is for the BCCI and selectors to decide, but he still has the hunger and determination, should be part of the 2027 World Cup squad,” he added.
In 273 ODIs, Rohit has scored 11,168 runs at an average of 48.76, including 32 centuries and 58 fifties. He also holds the unique record of scoring three double centuries in the format.
Earlier this month, Rohit was present at The Oval to witness the fifth and final Test against England, which India won by six runs to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2.
Rohit amassed 4,301 runs from 67 Tests at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. Rohit also led India in 24 Tests, winning 12 and losing nine games.
Rohit averaged an impressive 42.81 in 66 innings as an opener in Tests, including nine centuries and eight fifties. He also led India to become runners-up in the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final after losing to Australia at The Oval.
(With inputs from IANS)
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses, features, live scores, results, stats and everything that’s cricket from all over the globe. Follow @cricketnext
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses, features, live scores, results, stats and everything that’s cricket from all over the globe. Follow @cricketnext
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