Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opened up on Rohit Sharma’s future for the 2027 World Cup. The renowned commentator is uncertain regarding Rohit Sharma’s chances of playing in the ODI showpiece, stating that two years is a very long time.
After leading India to glory in the Champions Trophy, Rohit cleared the air that he isn’t retiring from ODIs and will continue playing the 50-over format. The 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa will be the team’s next motive in the 50-over version and it would be interesting to note if Rohit continues his good show.
Rohit scored a match-winning knock of 76 runs off 83 balls in the final against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy. The Indian captain had also taken the team to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup but they could not cross the final hurdle against Australia. Rohit has adopted an aggressive approach at the top of the order in ODIs and has played an instrumental role in the success of the team.
“Before leaving, Rohit said he is not going anywhere and will continue playing ODI cricket. Fair play, sir. He will be playing the ODIs, which is a great thing. So will he play the 2027 World Cup? I feel he can play as well, but there is no guarantee,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“Based on what he said at the press conference, in my humble opinion, this does not guarantee anything because two years are left. Two years is a very long time. The gold will have to go through fire for two more years. You are pure gold already, but you are not getting younger by the day,” Chopra added.
The renowned commentator urged the veteran duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to take a leaf out of former Indian captain Rahul Dravid’s book.
“When Rahul Dravid was asked why he was practicing more than he used to do when he was young, he replied that he was working more on fitness than practicing. So Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have to adopt that kind of discipline for the next two years to play the 2027 World Cup,” he said.
“The World Cup is in South Africa. It will be an interesting one, and we really hope that our two absolute legends and rockstars are there. However, it comes with a caveat that two years is a very, very long period in international or professional cricket,” Chopra observed.
Virat and Rohit will now be seen in action in the forthcoming IPL 2025.
