As India progressively gets ready for the 2027 World Cup, former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu thinks Rohit Sharma should remain the team’s ODI skipper. Following his decision to quit as Test captain in May, Rohit’s future in the format has been questioned, especially in relation to his fitness. Rayudu has stated that Sharma is the best candidate to guide the team to victory in the 50-over marquee event.
The role of Rohit, who guided India to the Champions Trophy victory earlier this year, has come under scrutiny, particularly in light of Shubman Gill’s recent excellent performance. Age-related worries have also surfaced because, by the time the big event comes around, he and Virat Kohli will be getting close to 40 and 39, respectively.
“You need Rohit Sharma to lead. Looking ahead, the goal is to win the World Cup. At the end of the day, we are all Indians. At that time, the only question is, who can win it for us? That is how you have to approach ICC tournaments. What happens two years later, who becomes what, nobody knows. Nothing is certain. The only thing that matters is, at that time, especially in ICC tournaments, who can win for India? Who can win for the country?” Rayudu said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast.
Rohit has already solidified his status as one of the greatest ODI batters with his game-winning 76-run performance against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final. With 32 hundreds among his 11,168 runs at an average of 48.76, he is the second-highest active run-scorer in the format.
Rohit led India to two ICC title victories in nine months by using a selfless batting style that is appropriate for modern-day cricket, although he came very close to winning the ICC ODI World Cup in 2023.
“If Rohit Sharma, as captain, can win it for us, then Rohit should remain captain. If Rohit makes up his mind, maintains his fitness, and wants to play, then tell me one single person today who can replace him in ODI cricket. What he brings to the table is enormous. Rohit has to play,” he added.
The former batter also stated unequivocally that Virat Kohli must continue to play a significant role in India’s ODI strategy, particularly at the vital number three spot. Virat has the most hundreds in ODI cricket, with an average of 57.88. He last played for India in the Champions Trophy and played a pivotal role in RCB’s maiden IPL championship campaign.
“100%, in my opinion, he (Kohli) should play. Because at number three, to control the middle order, Virat is very important. ODI is a different format, it’s not just about hitting. You have to play the long format and also the short format within it. When it comes to balance, there is no one better than Virat in that format,” answered Rayudu.
