The Indian cricket team selectors are not entirely convinced about Rohit Sharma‘s fitness and whether he will be able to make it to the 2027 ODI World Cup. The former Indian captain, who was out of action for weeks in the ongoing IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury, has been named in India’s squad for the Afghanistan series, but is subject to his fitness. Now, a report has claimed that the selectors are apprehensive about Sharma’s ability to play the 50-over format, given his fitness concerns, and if he will be able to make it to the marquee tournament next year.
Selectors sweat over Rohit Sharma for 2027 ODI World Cup
As per the Times of India, a BCCI source claimed that there are concerns over the ability of Rohit’s body to take the load of high-performance sport, and that ODI cricket did not have the impact player option, unlike in the IPL. The source revealed that Sharma had not checked in at the BCCI’s CoE during the three weeks when he was out of action due to injury
“Rohit didn’t report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) during those three weeks. He has become lean, but there are concerns about his body being able to take the load of high-performance sport. He has to field for 50 overs. ODI cricket does not have the impact player option like in the IPL. Body takes time to heal when you are so close to turning 40,” the BCCI source said.
It is pertinent to point out that Rohit has worked extremely hard on his fitness over the last year and is looking in the best shape at present. Even with the bat, his numbers have been great since the Champions Trophy 2025, and he has made it a point to prove to Ajit Agarkar and co. that he is ready to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. In fact, he is the second-highest run-getter in ODIs for India since October 2025.
Most ODI runs for India since October 2025
| Player | Runs | Average | SR | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 616 | 88.00 | 106.39 | 3 | 3 |
| Rohit Sharma | 409 | 51.12 | 91.29 | 1 | 3 |
| KL Rahul | 317 | 79.25 | 120.07 | 1 | 2 |
However, the selectors aren’t exactly convinced about Rohit’s fitness and hence want to keep options ready for the 2027 ODI World Cup. While Yashasvi Jaiswal remains an obvious option, the selectors want other alternatives as well.
“There aren’t many ODI games before the World Cup. As it is, Jaiswal hasn’t got enough game time. Ishan has been picked so that he can double up as an opener. But if Rohit fails to make it to the World Cup and either Gill or Jaiswal is injured, there needs to be another opener ready,” the BCCI source added.
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