Former India wicketkeeper and selector Saba Karim has stirred debate by questioning the decision to include Rohit Sharma in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour. According to Karim, if Rohit is not being considered as captain anymore, his selection makes little sense and signals confusion in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans.
Karim Questions Selection Committee’s Vision
Karim expressed strong doubts about the long-term strategy of chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his team. He argued that if the selection committee does not see Rohit playing a role in the 2027 World Cup, then there is no point in picking him now.
“Team mein aap kyon rakh rahe hain?” (“Why are you keeping him in the team?”) Karim asked. “Agar woh captain nahi hain to phir ek baat saaf hai na ki aap unka future dekh nahi rahe ki woh 2027 ke World Cup mein rahenge. To phir aise khiladi ko team mein nahi rakhiye jisko aap nahi dekh rahe ho 2027 ke liye.”
(If he isn’t captaining, then it’s clear you don’t see him as part of the 2027 plans. So why keep a player you don’t see featuring in that future?)
Captaincy Shift and Strategic Planning
Karim’s comments came after Ajit Agarkar explained the decision to hand over ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill, saying that the young opener needs enough time to prepare for the 2027 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Agarkar also mentioned the challenges of managing three different captains across formats and the need to give the next generation more exposure.
Rohit Sharma’s Legacy Still Shines
Despite the criticism, Rohit Sharma’s leadership record remains one of the best in Indian cricket history. He is the only captain apart from MS Dhoni to lead India to three ICC white-ball finals, winning both the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy, and finishing as runner-up in the ODI World Cup.
However, Karim believes that past achievements should not dictate future decisions. If the management wants to plan ahead, he says, they must commit to a clear roadmap instead of making short-term selections that do not align with their long-term goals.
The Bigger Question Ahead of 2027
Karim’s criticism highlights a growing concern among cricket experts: Is the selection committee prioritizing immediate results over future preparation? With the 2027 World Cup still years away, decisions made now could shape the core of the team that competes in that tournament. And in that context, Rohit Sharma’s selection — despite being one of India’s greatest captains — has become a flashpoint in the debate about India’s vision for the future.
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