BCCI recently announced the 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, which is scheduled to start on June 14 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
Heading into the ODI World Cup 2027 preparation, Indian stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retained their places in the Indian squad. Despite Rohit’s inclusion, there remains uncertainty within the selection panel over whether the veteran opener can consistently maintain the fitness levels required to feature in the next World Cup.
The former India captain recently missed a significant part of the ongoing IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury, which has led the selectors to be wary about Rohit’s inclusion in the squad. Rehash and rewrite in a different way
BCCI is concerned about Rohit Sharma’s fitness
According to a report by The Times of India, a BCCI insider expressed concerns about Rohit’s ability to cope with the physical demands of top-level cricket, especially in the 50-over format where players do not have the luxury of the IPL’s impact player rule. The source also claimed that Rohit did not visit the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence during the three-week period he spent recovering from 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.
Yashasvi Jaiswal remains an obvious option as an opener
Although it’s obvious to say that Rohit has worked really hard on his fitness, he is currently in his best shape. He has showcased his batting brilliance 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. Rohit is also the second-leading run getter in ODIs for India since October 2025.
With multiple options available, selectors are not sure about Rohit Sharma. Yashasvi Jaiswal remains an obvious option to open alongside skipper Shubman Gill.
“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.
Also Read: India vs Afghanistan: No Ravindra Jadeja For Test And ODI: Roko Backs Again, See whole Squad
