Mumbai: India’s senior batter Rohit Sharma has received strong backing ahead of the upcoming white-ball series against England, despite recent criticism over his inability to convert starts into big scores.

The debate around Rohit’s place in India’s ODI setup has intensified in recent weeks, especially with the team beginning preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. However, former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu has firmly supported the veteran opener, emphasising his experience and leadership value.

India regroup after Ireland setback

India enter the England series on the back of a disappointing 0-2 T20I series defeat against Ireland in Belfast — their first-ever loss to Ireland across formats. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the team struggled to find consistency, raising questions about squad balance and player roles.

The upcoming series against England will feature five T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals, with the ODI leg expected to play a key role in shaping India’s core group for the 2027 World Cup.

With the tournament still over a year away, selectors are expected to closely monitor performances, particularly from senior players like Rohit and Virat Kohli.

Rayudu highlights Rohit’s leadership value

Speaking ahead of the England series, Rayudu dismissed concerns over Rohit’s form and backed him to deliver in crucial moments.

“I think clarity is very important, especially for him. His experience is invaluable. He needs to be there because he is a leader not only on the ground but also in the dressing room,” Rayudu said.

Rohit, who recently handed over ODI captaincy duties to Shubman Gill, continues to be viewed as a stabilising presence within the squad. His calm demeanour and tactical awareness are considered key assets, particularly in high-pressure tournaments.

Rayudu also suggested that Rohit remains part of the team’s long-term plans, pointing to the management’s continued faith in him.

Focus on big tournaments

While critics have questioned Rohit’s ability to convert promising starts into match-defining innings, Rayudu believes the opener will rise to the occasion when it matters most.

“When you play for so many years, your hunger might dip slightly, but when a big tournament comes, players like him step up,” he noted.

The England series, therefore, presents an important opportunity for Rohit to silence critics and reaffirm his place in India’s World Cup plans.

Selection debates intensify

The squad announcement for the England series also sparked debate after Yashasvi Jaiswal was left out despite scoring two centuries against Afghanistan in recent ODIs.

Rayudu expressed surprise at the omission, stating that both Rohit and Jaiswal deserve a place in the World Cup squad.

“For me, both of them have a place in the Indian side. Rohit for his leadership and experience, and Jaiswal for his performance and potential,” he said.

The comment reflects a broader discussion around balancing youth and experience in India’s evolving white-ball setup.

Road to England series

The England tour is expected to be a crucial testing ground for India as they fine-tune combinations ahead of the World Cup. With multiple players competing for limited spots, performances in this series could significantly influence future selections.

The T20Is will offer opportunities for younger players, while the ODIs will likely see a more settled lineup as the team builds towards the global tournament.

Conclusion

As scrutiny grows over Rohit Sharma’s recent performances, backing from experienced voices like Ambati Rayudu highlights the importance of leadership and experience in major tournaments. With the England series approaching, Rohit will have a chance to respond to criticism and reinforce his role in India’s World Cup plans.