Watch: No Rohit Sharma in ODI World Cup 2027? Sanjay Manjrekar's controversial prediction explained

Will Rohit Sharma be part of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia towards the end of next year? Many have given their explanations on both sides, while former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar feels that selection should be made with the future of Indian cricket in mind. 

Rohit was recently featured in the three-match ODI series at home against Afghanistan, scoring 16, 48, and 79. Overall, he is fulfilled with a massive experience of 11720 runs in 277 innings in the 50-over format at an average of 48.83 and a strike rate of 92.97 with 33 centuries and 62 half-centuries at the best score of 264 runs.

What did Sanjay Manjrekar say about Rohit Sharma and ODI World Cup 2027?

Manjrekar reckoned that with the next ODI World Cup being a year later, India could think of trying a few different options for the opening spot, as only Virat Kohli has strengthened his position with fitness and consistent performances.

Watch Sanjay Manjrekar's comment on Rohit Sharma- 

“Now, this will become very controversial. But I should not care about being in controversy. See, we are in 2026 or mid-2026. And the World Cup is towards the end of 2027. I think India have options. As an opening batter, Virat has shown his fitness and performance, making it a strong case.” Manjrekar expressed this in an interaction on Sony LIV.

“You know the problem we have in Indian cricket? When we make squads for an event, we always think about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, rather than thinking what will be good for Indian cricket going forward. And opening in 50-over cricket is a lot of fun and a habitual thing.” He addressed.

See Also: Sanjay Manjrekar slams MCA for new Ravi Shastri stand

The renowned commentator felt that the board should try a few different players in the next 12 months, who have been in their prime and will stay in the team for the next five to 10 years.

“And I feel that opportunity of opening the batting should be given to a player who has been in his prime and will be in the team for the next five to 10 years. So, you can’t think only about Rohit Sharma. You got to look at the future of Indian cricket, and Rohit’s selection will be a hard choice there.” The former India batter added in the same video.

How has Rohit Sharma performed in ODIs recently — Do the numbers back Manjrekar?

Since the beginning of 2025, Rohit remains India’s third leading run-getter in ODI cricket. He has smashed 854 runs during this period in 20 innings at an average of 44.94 and a strike rate of 100.35, having celebrated two centuries and five half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 121 runs.

Meanwhile, since the beginning of 2026, the right-handed batter has struggled in ODIs with just 204 runs in six innings at an average of 34 and a strike rate of 100, having notched up only one fifty at the best score of 79 runs against Afghanistan.

See Also: On this day: Rohit Sharma made his International debut — How he has taken India to new heights

Rohit will hope to show some consistency in the next ODI series against England and continue the superb form at home in the West Indies to be in contention for the ODI WC 2027.

Fan reactions: What did Cricket Twitter say after Manjrekar's Rohit World Cup prediction?

The Rohit fans were shocked at the statement of Manjrekar and had their say around the social media platforms-