The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to meet on Thursday to discuss the futures of prominent players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja as India prepares for the ODI World Cup in 2027. According to a PTI report, while Rohit Sharma is facing significant scrutiny regarding his place on the team, both Kohli and Jadeja currently appear to be under less pressure.
The report suggests that Rohit was informed by a selection committee member—rather than chairman Ajit Agarkar—about the panel’s intention to move forward without him. Although Rohit reportedly expressed anger over the situation, there is speculation that he may retire following the ODI series against England. However, his impressive performance, scoring 138 runs in the final ODI at Lord’s, has temporarily put retirement discussions on hold.
Meanwhile, ormer South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes highlighted the importance of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for 2027 ODI World Cup, noting the ‘Hitman’s experience at the tournament and Virat’s hunger which makes him an “ultimate finisher”. Jonty, one of the best fielders ever to play the game, has stepped into a new role as the co-owner of the Rotterdam Dockers in the inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League (ETPL).
Speaking to JioStar, Rhodes weighed in on what makes Virat Kohli special, why Team India will benefit from Rohit Sharma’s experience at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, and his favourite cricketing memory.
On Rohit’s importance, Jonty said that during World Cups, while looking after one self physically and the talent/performances are important factors, the experience of being a part of something as high pressure as a World Cup is also just as important, which makes Rohit an “asset”. But when it comes down to pressure moments, a World Cup is very much high pressure,” he said. “You have got to remember that having experience at a World Cup is another factor that we don’t factor in. We look at the talent of the players, the ability that they have got and their performances. Maybe they have had a great knock and had a good season. “Players can look after themselves physically, but that mental strength is something that we do not often factor in when it comes to selection. But as somebody who has played in four Cricket World Cups without getting past two semi-finals, I know how stressful it can become. So having someone like Rohit Sharma in your squad is such an asset at a World Cup.”
