The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is said to be closely monitoring Rohit Sharma’s fitness for the 2027 ODI World Cup, as they are growing more worried about his fitness to handle the physical rigors of 50-over cricket.
Rohit was named in India’s squad for the current ODI series against Afghanistan national cricket team from June 14th, but reports state that the decision to include him would rely heavily on his medical clearance and fitness tests. The veteran opener was hurt in the hamstring earlier in the season and had to skip a few games from Mumbai Indians. Rohit returned with a big fifty but he was mostly used as an Impact Substitute, and the board was worried about his match fitness and fielding position.
The BCCI, now, does not consider Rohit and Virat Kohli at the same level in terms of fitness standards, sources close to the situation have said. Kohli is playing in top physical condition, whereas Rohit has been plagued with frequent injuries. Kohli has been maintaining his fitness level at an elite level while Rohit has been plagued with frequent injuries.
In spite of the troubles, Rohit’s performance at the crease is still good. He has scored a century and four 50s in his last 10 ODI games. But selectors are thought to be testing his body to see if it can cope with the rigours of international cricket over the next two years.
The BCCI may start to look at long-term options to open if the fitness issues persist. Already, Ishan Kishan has been picked for the Afghanistan series and Yashasvi Jaiswal is another promising name waiting in the wings. Further clarity on Rohit’s future might come on a visit to England later this year.