A fresh report has revealed growing tensions within Indian cricket’s decision-making hierarchy, with the national selectors reportedly wanting veteran opener Rohit Sharma removed from India’s long-term ODI plans ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The report claims the selectors were left feeling “betrayed” after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) publicly backed Rohit despite internal discussions about moving on from the former captain.
According to the report, the selection committee had informed Rohit Sharma before India’s ODI series against England that he was no longer part of the team’s roadmap for the 2027 World Cup. Speculation was rife that the final ODI at Lord’s could be his farewell appearance in the format.
However, the narrative changed dramatically when BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly dismissed reports suggesting Rohit’s ODI career was over. The statement was seen as a strong vote of confidence in the veteran batter and reportedly caught the selectors by surprise, creating friction between the selection panel and the board’s top officials.
Rohit responded in the best possible manner—with his bat. The 39-year-old smashed a brilliant 138 against England, silencing critics and reinforcing his desire to continue representing India in the 50-over format. Although India lost the match, Rohit’s innings reignited the debate over his future.
The report further suggests that the selectors viewed the BCCI’s public backing as undermining their authority. They had reportedly begun planning for the future by identifying younger players who could form the core of India’s squad for the next ODI World Cup, making Rohit’s continued presence a point of contention.
Despite the speculation, Rohit has consistently maintained that he has no immediate plans to retire from ODI cricket. Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif recently remarked that Rohit has effectively left the decision in the selectors’ hands, choosing to continue playing unless he is officially dropped from the squad.
The reported disagreement has also raised questions about the relationship between the BCCI leadership and the selection committee. Separate reports indicate that chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s position could come under scrutiny as his tenure nears its end, with discussions reportedly underway about possible changes in the selection panel.
For now, neither the BCCI nor the selection committee has officially commented on the latest claims. As India continues preparations for major ICC tournaments, Rohit Sharma’s future remains one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket, with the final decision likely to depend on both his performances and the board’s long-term vision.
