NEW DELHI: Ever since Rohit Sharma was removed from ODI captaincy, his future has been a topic of discussion among former players and experts. The decision was made with the 2027 World Cup in mind, as the newly appointed skipper Shubman Gill will have ample time to groom himself for the marquee event.
Rohit, however, has been selected for the upcoming ODI series against Australia starting October 19, a decision that did not sit well with former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim.
'Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma picked because of...': Former selector hands reality check
At 38, Rohit will be approaching 40 by the time the 2027 ODI World Cup comes around. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the team management remain uncertain about whether he will retain the form and fitness required to compete in the tournament.
Karim, therefore, believes there was little justification in selecting a player unlikely to be part of the team through to the next World Cup.
"Team mein aap kyon rakh rahe hain?" (Why are you keeping him in the team?) Karim questioned while speaking on YouTube channel Kadak.
"Agar woh captain nahin hain to phir ek baat saaf hai na ki aap unka future dekh nahi rahe ki wo 2027 ke World Cup mein rahenge, to phir aap aise khiladi ko team mein nahin rakhiye jo aapko lagta hain ki 2027 mein aapke hisaab se maujood nahin rahenge," Karim added. (If he is not captaining, then it is clear that you don't see his future. You don't feel that he will be a part of the 2027 World Cup. So, don't keep a player whom you don't feel would be a part of the 2027 World Cup.)
Agarkar clarified that both players cleared their mandatory pre-season fitness tests and also said that to continue representing India in ODIs, Rohit and Kohli must participate in domestic cricket, specifically the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
"They have both done their fitness tests. They've gone through the required norms that have been put in place. I haven't heard anything beyond that."
"Whenever the guys are playing or not, they should be playing domestic cricket. Whether it's possible alongside international cricket or not, time will tell," he said.
