India cricket team star Rohit Sharma’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad has brushed aside fitness concerns and has claimed that he is fit enough for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Having retired from Tests and T20Is, the Hitman is active only in the 50-over format of the game in international cricket. However, after suffering a hamstring injury during IPL, doubts have been raised on Sharma’s ability to take part in the marquee tournament, largely owing to his fitness.
India need Rohit Sharma to reach ODI World Cup final?
Speaking to news agency PTI, Lad claimed that Rohit does not have to prove his fitness, and that he badly wants to win the ODI World Cup in 2027. The Hitman was the leader of the side in the 2023 edition of the tournament where India fell short in the final despite having a flawless record in the rest of the games in that edition. Now that questions are being raised on Rohit, with reports claiming that the selectors are sweating over his fitness, and his ability to feature in a 50-over game, Lad has dismissed such speculations, noting that India need Rohit’s experience to reach the final.
“Being a coach, I don’t think he needs to prove anything to anyone. He badly wants to win the ODI World Cup. I have spoken to him and he is very categoric with what he wants in career. I don’t think he needs to prove his fitness. Despite the age factor, he is still fit enough. Critics keep talking. It’s their job. India needs Rohit’s experience if we want to reach the finals,” Lad said.
Despite being one of the leading run-getters for India in ODIs since the conclusion of the Champions Trophy, Rohit sustained a hamstring injury mid-way through IPL 2026. He missed five matches, and was then used as an impact player. Sharma was then named as a part of the squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, provided he gets a fitness clearance from the BCCI’s CoE.
As per reports, Sharma is expected to report at the CoE on June 8. The report states that the former Indian captain is expected to spend at least a couple of days in Bengaluru and will join the ODI side only once he gets a fitness clearance. Arguing on behalf of Sharma, his childhood coach said that all players who are competing for a spot in the ODI World Cup 2027 squad need to perform, and that the onus wasn’t just on Rohit.
“Why are the next six months crucial only for only Rohit? It’s crucial for all players. Everyone needs to play well to retain their place in the team. I have a 100 per cent guarantee that Rohit will definitely play the 50-over World Cup in 2027. He will do well during these six months and the later as well. If you give him an opportunity he will do well,” Lad added.
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