Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Rohit Sharma Retained Amid Fitness Concerns Before 2027 World Cup
Rohit Sharma will continue playing for India in the West Indies one-day matches.
Some selectors reportedly wanted India to give younger player Yashasvi Jaiswal more chances.
Rohit made a strong 138-run score at Lord’s and played well during 2026.
However, selectors are worried about his age and fitness.
He missed four IPL matches because of a hamstring injury.
They also wonder whether he can keep up with the physical demands of one-day cricket.
The selectors reportedly see Rohit’s fitness situation as different from Virat Kohli’s.
Rohit now needs to show that his experience and performances can answer these concerns before the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit Sharma was included in India’s squad for the West Indies ODIs despite reported selection concerns.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar reportedly favored preparing Yashasvi Jaiswal for the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit strengthened his case with a 138-run innings at Lord’s and generally good form in 2026.
Selectors reportedly questioned whether Rohit’s recent best performances came often enough in difficult batting conditions.
At 39 and after a hamstring injury, Rohit faces questions about whether he can remain fit until the World Cup.
- Who
- Rohit Sharma, India’s selectors, Ajit Agarkar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli.
- What
- Rohit Sharma has been retained in India’s squad for the West Indies ODIs despite reported concerns about his fitness, form in difficult conditions, and long-term availability.
- When
- The report was published on September 20, 2026, ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
- Where
- The selection discussion concerns India’s ODI team; Rohit’s cited recent 138-run innings came at Lord’s.
- Why
- Rohit’s experience and recent performances supported his retention, while selectors reportedly wanted to manage his fitness and give Yashasvi Jaiswal sufficient preparation.
Rohit’s Retention
Selectors’ Transition Concerns
Experience versus succession
Rohit’s Retention
Rohit’s 138 at Lord’s and his overall 2026 form support keeping his experience in the ODI team.
Selectors’ Transition Concerns
Ajit Agarkar reportedly favored using the remaining ODIs to prepare Yashasvi Jaiswal rather than introducing him late.
Fitness outlook
Rohit’s Retention
Rohit remains in the squad and can address doubts through his performances and fitness.
Selectors’ Transition Concerns
Selectors reportedly questioned whether Rohit can sustain the physical demands of ODI cricket until the 2027 World Cup after his hamstring injury.
Recent batting record
Rohit’s Retention
Rohit’s recent centuries were still quality performances, even though they came after India had lost those series.
Selectors’ Transition Concerns
Selectors reportedly believed that many of his best recent innings came on batting-friendly pitches rather than in tricky conditions.
- Player retained
- Rohit Sharma was included in the squad for the West Indies ODIs.
- Age
- Rohit is 39.
- Recent innings
- He scored 138 at Lord’s.
- Fitness issue
- A hamstring injury during the last IPL caused Rohit to miss four consecutive matches.
- World Cup
- The next ODI World Cup is scheduled for 2027.
- Selection concern
- Selectors reportedly wanted Yashasvi Jaiswal to receive enough exposure before the World Cup.