Former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu has shared a strong view on Rohit Sharma’s ODI future. Since Rohit has already retired from T20Is and Tests, questions have been raised about his role in the 50-over format, particularly with the next World Cup in 2027, when he will be 40 years old.
Speaking on a YouTube podcast with Shubhankar Mishra on Monday, August 18, Rayudu was asked about Rohit’s chances of featuring in the tournament. In response, he stated that, at present, Indian cricket does not have any player who can take Rohit’s place in ODIs. Rayudu said:
“You need Rohit Sharma to lead. Looking ahead, the goal is to win the World Cup. At the end of the day, we are all Indians. At that time, the only question is, who can win it for us? That is how you have to approach ICC tournaments.”
”What happens two years later, who becomes what, nobody knows. Nothing is certain. The only thing that matters is, at that time, especially in ICC tournaments, who can win for India? Who can win for the country?”
“If Rohit Sharma, as captain, can win it for us, then Rohit should remain captain. If Rohit makes up his mind, maintains his fitness, and wants to play, then tell me one single person today who can replace him in ODI cricket. What he brings to the table is enormous. Rohit has to play,” he added.
Ambati Rayudu Confident About Virat Kohli’s 2027 World Cup Participation
Similar to Rohit Sharma, questions have also been raised about Virat Kohli’s future in international cricket, as the Delhi-born batter has already stepped away from T20Is and Tests. During the same discussion, Ambati Rayudu was asked about Kohli’s chances of featuring in the 2027 ODI World Cup, to which he replied:
“100%, in my opinion, he (Kohli) should play. Because at number three, to control the middle order, Virat is very important. ODI is a different format, it’s not just about hitting. You have to play the long format and also the short format within it. When it comes to balance, there is no one better than Virat in that format.”
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.