ON Thursday, during the India vs England 2nd ODI, a report in Indian Express revealed that Rohit Sharma is all set to retire after the Lord’s match. And that has of course become the centre of all conversations in India. While many feel the legend has been undone, some feel it is actually time for him to step away. Amidst all this, Rohit’s childhood coach, Dinesh Lad has opened up.
Rohit Sharma should play in 2027 World Cup
The veteran coach has expressed his desire to see Rohit Sharma play the 2027 World Cup. Despite the retirement talks, Lad feels that the cricketer can offer a lot to the Indian team, and wants to see him in the tournament next year. “My only dream is to see Rohit playing in the 2027 World Cup. I want him to be there,” Lad was quoted as saying by Odishatv.in.
This year especially has been challenging for the 39-year-old, having scored only 241 runs in 8 matches at an average of 30, with only one fifty to his name. He failed against NZ, then AFG, and the ongoing England series hasn’t been great either. “Every player goes through ups and downs. Form is temporary, and I still want him to play in the 2027 World Cup,” he added.
Selectors pushing for retirement
A report had also suggested that it was the selectors, who were pushing him towards retirement; reacting to that, Lad said, “If Rohit retires, it will mark the end of an era. He is a great cricketer. A temporary loss of form doesn’t define a player’s career. I don’t want to comment on the selectors’ decisions, but I sincerely hope he plays the next World Cup.”
It seems that the selectors want to give chance to Yashasvi Jaiswal, and other youngsters instead of Rohit. “Selectors have informed Rohit he is not in their scheme of things post the England tour and they are moving on from him after this series. Though he wanted to continue, especially after working on his fitness. The selectors have left the ball in Sharma’s court to decide his future,” a source from BCCI had told Indian Express.
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