‘Rohit Sharma won’t be my choice for 2027 ODI WC’:Sanjay Manjrekar takes dig at former India captain; urges BCCI to focus on future aspects

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has grabbed the attention after commenting on Rohit Sharma’s participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against England, which begins on 14 July at Edgbaston. Manjrekar stressed that the BCCI should shift its focus towards building the team’s future rather than centering discussions around individual cricketers. Before Majrekar’s dig at the former India captain, Rohit featured in India’s recent three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. The veteran opener has scored 143 runs in three innings at an average of 47.66 and a strike rate of 115.32, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the series, with one half-century to his name. Sanjay Manjrekar on Rohit Sharma’s participation in 2027 ODI WC Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar excluded Rohit Sharma from his probable list for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He said, “I mean this will become controversial. But I think I should not care; I have not cared for all these years. We are in mid-2026, and that World Cup is in late 2027. I think India have options.” “Virat Kohli, with his sheer fitness, is making a strong case. But what happens here is when we select, we are thinking Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma. We should think about what is best for Indian cricket,” Manjrekar said on Sony Sports. “Opening in 50 overs is fun. It is a rehabilitation programme. That, I think, you should give to a player who is in his prime and has got another 5-10 years. If you are thinking only about Rohit Sharma, it’s not right. You have to think about Indian cricket, the future of Indian cricket. In that space, I don’t think Rohit Sharma would be my choice in the squad,” Manjrekar added further. What Devajit Saikia said on RoKo’s 2027 World Cup plans? Earlier, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia insisted that conversations are indeed taking place with all stakeholders, but insists strategic conversations regarding senior players – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – remain within the boardroom. “As the head of the board, we have a very well-knit team and a lot of experts. All stakeholders are taken on board. Whatever decisions are made involve the cricket committee, the selectors and all other stakeholders, including the support staff, the head coach and the players concerned. There are regular conversations taking place,” said Saikia. He continued, “For that reason, we do not need any special session of interaction. This is an ongoing process. Further, I do not think I should disclose anything before the media or the public because these are strategic discussions. I am not authorised to speak about them before the media. Secondly, these are matters that should remain within the boardroom.” GFX credit: Gaurav Raj