The third and final ODI between India and England last month had assumed significance, and not just because it was the series decider. It gained added prominence after reports emerged midway through the bilateral series that the Indian selectors had told Rohit Sharma he would not be picked for the team again.
The reports created such a furore that BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia himself rejected the claims, assuring that as long as Rohit is part of India’s plans, he will continue to play international cricket. Rohit himself dismissed the concerns over his future, terming the reports as “noise”.
However, a fresh report alleges that the selectors are unhappy with Saikia’s remarks and feel betrayed, as they had spoken to Rohit only after holding discussions
with the Indian team management.
It is being said that the selectors want to give Yashasvi Jaiswal a long rope in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, and Rohit does not feature in their plans.
Now, The Indian Express is reporting that Rohit met a top BCCI official, and it is likely that he may be picked for India’s next ODI series against West Indies, which is slated to get underway from September 27.
What could work in Rohit’s favour is the timely century he struck in the third ODI against England at Lord’s on July 19, after modest outings in the opening two matches.
Rohit scored 138 in a contest which India lost.
‘Performance Should Be The Marker’
There have been questions over whether ageing superstars Rohit and Virat Kohli should continue to feature for India in ODI cricket. While Kohli has continued to justify his spot with consistent performances and fitness, Rohit remains a concern due to his recent fitness issues and form.
However, throwing his weight behind Rohit and Kohli, India legend Harbhajan Singh feels that form, and not age, should be the sole criterion for deciding whether a player should continue.
“Whoever the player is, I believe the marker should be performance, not age,” Harbhajan told PTI.
“Virat may be 39 but if he is still beating those 20-year-old guys on the field, it (his age) doesn’t matter. Look at Lionel Messi. At 40 (39), five men fail to stop him. If a player has that kind of fitness and skill where even five opponents can’t keep him at bay, then we know that skill always takes precedence,” he added.
