Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes believes Rohit Sharma’s vast experience of playing at the highest level could prove to be a major asset for Team India at the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027.
Rohit, who was sacked as India’s ODI captain in October last year despite leading the Men in Blue to the ICC Champions Trophy title in his last assignment as captain, is still an important member of India’s 50-over side. He scored a century in his last ODI for India against England at Lord’s on July 19, 2026, and is expected to be picked for the ODI series against the West Indies later this month as well.
However, there are question marks over his place in India’s ODI World Cup 2027 squad. There have been reports that the 39-year-old is not part of
the selectors’ plans for the 50-over mega event next year. But Rhodes, who has worked with Rohit at Mumbai Indians in the IPL, feels the mental strength and experience of players such as Rohit can be particularly valuable when the pressure starts to build during a World Cup.
According to Rhodes, experience at a global tournament is often overlooked when teams assess players based on their talent, ability and recent performances. However, he believes handling pressure on the biggest stage requires a different kind of skill.
“You’ve 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’ve got and their performances. Maybe they’ve had a great knock and had a good season. But when it comes down to pressure moments, a World Cup is very much high pressure,” Rhodes said on JioStar.
The former South Africa international knows exactly what it takes to deal with the pressure of a World Cup. Rhodes represented South Africa in four editions of the 50-over World Cup but never managed to go beyond the semi-final stage.
Reflecting on his own experience, Rhodes highlighted the importance of mental strength during a World Cup and explained why having a player like Rohit in the squad can benefit India.
“Players can look after themselves physically, but that mental strength is something that we don’t often factor in when it comes to selection. But as somebody who’s 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,” he added.
