According to ex-India coach Sanjay Bangar, Rohit Sharma should feature in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad as long as he retains his form and fitness. Complimenting the veteran opener’s selfless attitude, Bangar remarked that Rohit has always put the interest of the team ahead of his own. The 37-year-old will be part of India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, with the first match being played in Perth on Sunday, October 19, and with Shubman Gill taking over. as captain.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Bangar highlighted Rohit’s crucial influence in the Indian dressing room, especially with Gill taking charge. “Rohit Sharma wanted to set a different template. When India weren’t able to cross the last step in 50-over cricket, he took a huge responsibility on himself, particularly in the first 10 overs. He has did a lot of things for the team’s benefit,” Bangar said. “You want to see exceptional performances from Rohit Sharma because, based on his recent interviews, he still seems eager to play till the 2027 World Cup. If he keeps his form and fitness, he fully deserves a place,” he added.

Rohit Sharma and his preparation for the 2027 World Cup conditions

Rohit Sharma, who has scored 11,168 runs at an average of 48.76 in 273 ODIs, boasts an even stronger record against Australia—2,407 runs at 57.30 in 46 matches. Bangar believes Rohit will continue to play attacking cricket in Australia, viewing the series as preparation for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa. “He will try to play in the same style because the next World Cup will be in South Africa. India won’t get many opportunities to play in such conditions, so these pacy and bouncy pitches in Australia will be good practice,” he explained.

Bangar also emphasized that both Rohit and Virat Kohli will play vital roles in helping Gill settle into his new leadership position. “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have to give that space to Shubman Gill so that he begins his ODI captaincy tenure the same way he started in Tests,” Bangar noted.

Gill, who has never captained India in ODIs before, has made an impressive start as Test skipper, drawing the five-match series in England 2-2 and winning 2-0 at home against the West Indies.