Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the handling of Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, saying the selectors should have communicated their plans after the 2025 Champions Trophy if he was not part of India’s 2027 World Cup roadmap.
Ashwin Questions Handling of Rohit Sharma’s Future
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has criticized the uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s future in the Indian ODI setup, urging the team management and selectors to communicate their plans clearly to senior players.
Speaking on his YouTube show, Ashwin said that if the Indian team did not see Rohit as part of its plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, that decision should have been conveyed immediately after India’s triumph in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Ashwin argued that prolonged speculation can leave veteran cricketers feeling unwanted within the team environment.
“Don’t Make Rohit Feel Unwanted”
Drawing parallels with his own retirement from international cricket during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Ashwin spoke emotionally about the importance of direct communication between players and management.
“There is perhaps no worse feeling than being made to feel unwanted in a team where a player has built his legacy,” Ashwin said, adding that senior players cannot perform at their best if they believe they are no longer trusted by the team management.
The former spinner suggested that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still have valuable experience to offer, particularly with the next ODI World Cup set to be played in South Africa.
“If Rohit and Virat do not feel wanted, they cannot perform at their best,” Ashwin said while stressing the need for transparency from the selectors.
Ashwin Recalls His Own Retirement Experience
Ashwin also opened up about his own exit from the Indian team, revealing that he sensed the management no longer wanted him during the tour of Australia. He recalled being named Player of the Series against Bangladesh before India’s struggles against New Zealand and Australia changed the situation.
The veteran spinner said he prefers straightforward conversations rather than indirect signals, explaining that ambiguity can create uncertainty for players nearing the end of their careers.
His remarks come amid reports that Rohit Sharma may no longer be an automatic selection for India as the team begins planning for the 2027 World Cup.
Debate Over Rohit’s 2027 World Cup Prospects
Speculation surrounding Rohit’s ODI future intensified following India’s ongoing series against England. Despite the rumors, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied reports suggesting that the third ODI at Lord’s would be the veteran opener’s final appearance in the format. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that Rohit remains an integral part of India’s ODI plans.
Ashwin, however, questioned why the uncertainty has persisted so close to the World Cup cycle.
According to him, if the selectors had already decided to move on from Rohit and Kohli, that conversation should have taken place much earlier. At the same time, he insisted that a temporary dip in form should not overshadow the contributions of two of India’s most experienced cricketers.
Why Ashwin’s Comments Matter
Ashwin’s remarks have reignited the debate over how Indian cricket manages transitions involving senior players. With the 2027 ODI World Cup less than two years away, the selectors face the challenge of balancing experience with the need to build the next generation of talent.
The former spinner’s comments also highlight a broader issue in modern cricket: the importance of clear communication and respect when dealing with players who have shaped an era of Indian cricket.
Conclusion
Ravichandran Ashwin has called for greater clarity over Rohit Sharma’s future, arguing that veteran players deserve direct communication about their roles in the team’s long-term plans. As discussions over India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup continue, Ashwin believes that transparency from the management is essential to ensure senior players do not feel sidelined.
Key Takeaways
- Ravichandran Ashwin questioned how Rohit Sharma’s ODI future is being handled.
- He said selectors should have informed Rohit after the 2025 Champions Trophy if he was not part of the 2027 World Cup plans.
- Ashwin warned against making senior players feel unwanted within the team.
- The former spinner compared the situation to his own retirement experience.
- BCCI officials have denied reports that Rohit is set to retire from ODI cricket.
FAQs
What did Ravichandran Ashwin say about Rohit Sharma?
Ashwin said that if Rohit Sharma was not part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the selectors should have communicated that decision after the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Why did Ashwin criticize the Indian team management?
Ashwin believes that uncertainty and indirect communication can make senior players feel unwanted and affect their performances.
Has Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from ODIs?
No. BCCI officials have dismissed speculation that Rohit Sharma is set to retire from ODI cricket.
Why does Ashwin believe Rohit and Virat are still important?
Ashwin feels that the experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could be crucial for India at the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
