“Very Unfortunate” – Dilip Vengsarkar Reacts to Doubts on Rohit Sharma’s Spot in India Squad Before 2027 World Cup
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has expressed disappointment over the continued questions surrounding Rohit Sharma’s place in India’s ODI squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Speaking to RevSportz, Vengsarkar said he still believes Rohit has a place among India’s openers, although he stopped short of predicting whether the veteran batter will actually feature in the tournament.
The discussion comes amid continued uncertainty over Rohit Sharma’s international future. The 39-year-old now plays only ODI cricket after retiring from T20Is and Test cricket, while his participation in the 2027 World Cup remains undecided. Rohit himself said earlier this month that October 2027 is still far away and that the question of his participation can be addressed closer to the tournament.
What Did Dilip Vengsarkar Say About Rohit Sharma?
Vengsarkar was asked directly whether he expects Rohit Sharma to play in the 2027 World Cup. The former India captain said it was “very unfortunate” that questions continue to be raised about Rohit despite his performances in important matches.
Vengsarkar pointed to Rohit’s record in major games and said the opener has consistently scored runs and contributed to India’s victories. However, he also acknowledged that the final decision over the 2027 World Cup will depend on Rohit’s performances and fitness over the coming period.
“It is very unfortunate because he has consistently scored runs in big games and won so many matches for India.”
Vengsarkar added that he did not know whether Rohit would be part of India’s 2027 World Cup squad, but made his own position clear: he believes there is still a place for Rohit among the openers.
Rohit Sharma’s 2027 World Cup Future Remains Open
Rohit’s World Cup future has been a major talking point since India began reshaping its ODI setup.
The former India captain stepped away from T20I cricket in June 2024 and retired from Test cricket in May 2025. He subsequently lost the ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill, but continued his international career in the 50-over format.
In September, Rohit was asked about his chances of playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup. His response was brief: “October 2027 is far away, we will see about it then.” That leaves his participation unresolved rather than confirming either selection or retirement.
The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. With more than a year still remaining before the tournament, Rohit’s place is likely to remain linked to his ODI performances, fitness and the selectors’ plans.
Rohit’s Lord’s Century Changed the Conversation
Questions about Rohit’s ODI future intensified during India’s 2026 tour of England. Reports before the third ODI suggested that his place in the side was under scrutiny, with speculation that the Lord’s match could be his final ODI for India.
Rohit responded on the field with one of his most significant recent ODI performances. He scored 138 from 110 balls in India’s chase of 388 at Lord’s, although England eventually won the match and the three-game series 2-1.
The performance also featured 17 fours and five sixes, according to the match scorecard published by Cricket Australia.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia subsequently questioned why speculation over Rohit’s future was continuing after such an innings, saying the batter was playing “superbly” and had scored 138 in his latest ODI appearance.
Vengsarkar’s Comments Come Amid Continued Selection Debate
The debate around Rohit is not simply about retirement. It also concerns how India balances experienced players with younger options ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Rohit is now exclusively an ODI player for India, while Shubman Gill has taken over the ODI captaincy. The Indian Express reported in September that Gill replaced Rohit as ODI captain as the selection setup looked toward the future.
At the same time, the BCCI has publicly pushed back against speculation that Rohit’s ODI career is immediately under threat. Earlier in September, Saikia said Rohit was playing well and questioned the basis for continued speculation following his century against England.
That leaves Rohit’s World Cup position open. Vengsarkar’s comments represent his assessment of the veteran batter’s place in the team, rather than confirmation of India’s eventual 2027 selection plans.
What Happens Next for Rohit Sharma?
For now, Rohit’s focus remains on ODI cricket. His own comments indicate that he is not making a definitive announcement about the 2027 World Cup this far ahead of the tournament.
Vengsarkar has similarly avoided making a prediction, instead stressing that performances and fitness will ultimately matter. His view is that Rohit should remain among the contenders for an opening position if he continues to perform at the required level.
The coming ODI assignments will therefore provide more evidence about India’s plans. Until an official squad or selection decision is announced for the 2027 World Cup, Rohit Sharma’s participation remains undecided.
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