Rohit Sharma remains in contention for 2027 World Cup, BCCI dismisses retirement speculation

Mumbai: Despite speculation over his retirement, Rohit Sharma remains in contention to play next year’s ODI World Cup.The BCCI has reiterated that there is no imminent threat to the former captain’s place in the side, with his availability and selection for the 2027 World Cup continuing to be a subject of intense discussion.Board secretary Devajit Saikia said he did not want to provide “fodder” for speculation over Rohit’s future and added that the 39-year-old has been playing “superbly”. Questioning the speculation around Rohit, who now plays only ODIs for India, Saikia said: “He is playing superbly in all matches. So what more do you want? In the last match against England, he scored 138 runs, so why is there speculation around his future? I do not want to give any fodder to the speculators.”Saikia was speaking after a performance review of the Indian team at the BCCI headquarters on Thursday.The meeting was attended by India’s captains Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman, along with top BCCI officials. However, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar was absent. He was out of Mumbai and was reportedly in a no-internet zone.Saikia said there was no discussion on extending Agarkar’s contract.“He was out of station and could not be part of the meeting because it was called at very short notice. So he could not join. He was in such an area that he could not join online either,” Saikia said.Asked whether there was any discussion about extending Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of selectors, Saikia said: “There was no discussion on the selection committee. Our whole focus was on India’s performance in England and Ireland, as well as the recent Test series in Sri Lanka, and what we are going to do in the upcoming series and the World Cup, which is our ultimate goal.”Saikia dismissed speculation about Laxman being appointed BCCI’s director of cricket. India’s performance under Agarkar’s selection panel has been marked by major success in ICC tournaments.Saikia said the BCCI would work on a plan to ensure Indian players get adequate rest, acclimatisation time and practice matches before major series in SENA countries. In the past, India have often arrived in these countries with little match practice, resulting in heavy defeats before adjusting to local conditions.Saikia denied any lack of communication between the national selectors and the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru over injury management, but said the board would look to improve the Future Tours Programme to give players more time to prepare.“Everybody is on the same page. There is proper coordination among all wings of the BCCI. Everything is moving in the right direction,” Saikia said.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.