- Kris Srikkanth urges selectors to clarify Rohit Sharma’s ODI future.
- Unclear communication creates unnecessary pressure, impacting captain’s confidence.
- Selectors consider younger talent for 2027 World Cup planning.
- Rohit’s recent struggles against England raise questions about form.
England vs India 3rd ODI: Former India captain and ex-chief selector Kris Srikkanth has called on the BCCI selection committee to clearly communicate Rohit Sharma’s future instead of allowing speculation to dominate the conversation. His remarks come amid growing reports over the India captain’s place in the ODI side ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Srikkanth said Rohit deserves a clear answer from the selectors if they are planning to move on and build a younger team.
‘Tell Rohit Where He Stands’
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth questioned the conflicting reports surrounding Rohit’s future and said such uncertainty only creates unnecessary pressure on a senior player.
He said the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, should have a direct conversation with Rohit if they are considering a transition.
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“The management might have told him that they have the option of dropping him if he doesn’t retire. But when there are such contrasting reports day to day, how will a player have confidence? If this is true, be upfront and clearly communicate it to him. Let him know where he stands. After that, he can make his own decision. Whether he wants to continue or not, that’s his choice.”
Jaiswal’s Rise Adds To Selection Debate
Srikkanth acknowledged that the selectors also have to think about the future, especially with Yashasvi Jaiswal performing well and pushing for a regular place in the ODI side.
He said India cannot delay planning for the 2027 World Cup, but added that performance should remain the deciding factor.
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“The decision has to be made now, as only then can Jaiswal or someone else replacing him settle into the team before the 2027 World Cup. But it’ll be interesting to see if the management reverses its decision if Rohit scores a 75 in the Lord’s match. Even at his age, if he continues performing, he has to be picked for the World Cup.”
Rohit’s Batting Against England Raises Questions
Rohit has struggled in the ongoing ODI series against England, scoring 11 in the first match and 26 off 47 balls in the second.
Srikkanth felt Rohit’s innings in Cardiff looked unlike the aggressive batter fans are used to watching. He suggested something may have affected the India captain mentally before the match, although he did not speculate on the reason.
“It is clear that something has gone wrong mentally with Rohit based on his knock yesterday. It was not his kind of batting at all. Something must have happened before the match. It was disheartening to see Rohit bat the way he did. It was such a scratchy knock, and he looked completely out of sorts. I can’t remember seeing such a knock from Rohit in white-ball cricket, and it was very surprising. I don’t know what was bothering him, but he wasn’t getting his timing properly, and he looked clueless.”
With speculation over Rohit’s future continuing, Srikkanth believes the best way forward is simple: clear communication from the selectors instead of uncertainty through reports and rumours.
