‘I am not an astrologer’ – Former India selector comes up with point blank response to Rohit Sharma’s chance of playing in 2027 ODI World Cup

After India’s win the Champions Trophy the focus has been firmly on Rohit Sharma’s future. Indian skipper has categorically said that he isn’t going to retire from the ODI format in the press conference after the tournament that ended on Sunday. According to a report carried on CRICBUZZ, it was said that Rohit intends to play the 2027 World Cup. 

The report stated that Rohit along with India’s assistant coach and former Mumbai teammate Abhishek Nayar is devising a special plan to stay fit. Rohit will be 40-years-old when the next ODI World Cup takes place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Former India batter and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar during his chat PTI said that questions on Rohit’s future is unwarranted. 

Vengsarkar said, “I am not an astrologer. A lot of matches to go till the 2027 World Cup. A lot will depend on his form and fitness. It is not fair to say anything at this stage but he has been outstanding as both captain and player. I don't know why people speculated on his retirement, it's unwarranted.”

Former India selector feels Rohit and Virat should decide their own future

During the course of his chat with PTI, Vengsarkar stated that players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have earned the right to decide their own future. The two veteran players have shown in the Champions Trophy that they are capable match winners. Kohli was the second highest scorer for India in the tournament. Rohit on the other hand scored 76 in the final to be named man of the match. 

“A player of his stature should get to decide about his future. Guys like Virat and Rohit are big match players, bigger the platform the better the performance. It is very important from the team's point of view. Their sheer presence is demoralizing the opposition," said Dilip Vengsarkar to PTI. 

In an interview with ICC review, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting also felt that Rohit may play on for two more years. Ponting had said, “I think probably the fact that they lost the last one and he was captain, that might be the thing that's playing on the back of his mind. Just have one more crack at trying to win the T20 World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the ODI World Cup. I mean when you see him play like he played in the Champions Trophy final, you wouldn't say that his time is up just yet."