Former India coach and Rohit Sharma’s early mentor Lalchand Rajput believes the veteran opener still has enough cricket left in him and can continue playing One-Day Internationals for at least another two years despite recent speculation over his future.
Questions over Rohit’s place in India’s ODI plans gained momentum following reports that chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir had informed the former captain that he was not part of the team’s roadmap for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. However, the speculation was dismissed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.
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Rajput said he remains confident that Rohit has the ability to continue at the highest level.
“I don’t believe in speculation. Unless it happens, then only we can talk about that. I still feel he is good enough to play for a couple of years,” Rajput said.
He praised Rohit’s commitment to fitness, noting that the batter looks leaner and has worked hard to regain peak condition.
“He is fit and has worked hard on his fitness. If you look at him now, he looks leaner. The way he batted in the last game, he showed glimpses of the Hitman. I think he is just one good innings away,” Rajput added.
Asked whether India should begin planning for life after Rohit, Rajput said it was premature to discuss the issue.
“It’s a hypothetical question. Nothing is confirmed. Let’s focus on Rohit because he is batting well, he has worked very hard on his fitness and has come back strongly. When the time comes, we can talk about the future. Right now, after putting in so much effort on his fitness, he must have a mindset of playing till 2027. We should wait and watch,” he said.
Commenting on Rohit’s recent struggles in England, Rajput attributed them to the physical demands of a long international career.
“When you play for so many years, naturally your body goes through wear and tear. Every cricketer has injuries. The important thing is how you come back, and Rohit has always come back strongly,” he said.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
