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Rohit Sharma needed for 2027 World Cup? Wasim Jaffer backs India veteran amid future debate: ‘You need that experience…’
Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes Rohit Sharma’s experience could remain valuable if the veteran has his sights set on the 2027 ODI World Cup, while also questioning how the cases of Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami were handled.
The debate surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future refuses to disappear, but former India batter Wasim Jaffer believes there is one quality the veteran brings that cannot easily be replaced — experience.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup a little over a year away, questions over whether Rohit will remain part of India’s plans until the tournament have intensified. Jaffer, however, believes that if the former India captain intends to continue until the World Cup, his experience could prove extremely valuable.
“In Rohit’s case, if he is playing, he will have eyes on the 2027 World Cup, and you need that experience,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
His comments arrive just days before Rohit returns to international action in India’s three-match home ODI series against the West Indies, beginning on September 27. The BCCI has officially retained both Rohit and Virat Kohli in the squad, which will be led by Shubman Gill.
Rohit responded to speculation with a century
Questions around Rohit’s future gathered momentum during India’s ODI series in England, particularly around the third ODI at Lord’s, when reports suggested his place in the side could come under pressure.
Rohit responded in the manner he knows best — with runs.
The veteran opener struck a century, providing a timely answer with the bat as discussions continued over how India should shape their ODI side ahead of the next World Cup.
Despite speculation over his future during the England tour, Rohit was subsequently retained in India’s squad for the West Indies series following a two-month break.
For Jaffer, the conversation should not simply revolve around age. The larger question is whether Rohit continues to perform and whether his experience can help India during another major global tournament.
The 2027 ODI World Cup, to be staged across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, is likely to remain an important reference point as India’s selectors make decisions over the coming year.
‘These things could have been handled better’
Jaffer’s comments were not limited to Rohit.
The former India opener also questioned the way some recent selection calls were managed, particularly those involving Suryakumar Yadav.
“I said this again in Surya’s case as well. You removed him right after the World Cup. These things could have been handled better,” Jaffer said.
Suryakumar’s situation attracted attention after he lost the T20I captaincy and his place in the side despite having led India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title.
The selectors subsequently brought Shreyas Iyer back into the T20I setup and handed him the captaincy. Iyer remains India’s T20I captain for the upcoming West Indies series, with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain.
Jaffer’s remarks therefore touch on a broader issue — how Indian cricket manages transitions involving established senior players while simultaneously preparing the next generation.
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Jaffer also raises Mohammed Shami question
Another name mentioned by Jaffer was Mohammed Shami.
“Even Shami’s case. He still has to prove himself. This is saddening,” Jaffer said while discussing the treatment of experienced players.
Shami’s performances at the 2023 ODI World Cup remain one of the most memorable stretches of his international career. Despite sitting out India’s first four matches, the pacer finished the tournament as its leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets from seven appearances.
His continued absence from India’s current ODI squad has consequently remained a talking point as the team develops its bowling attack for the next World Cup cycle.
Rohit back in India colours on September 27
For now, the immediate spotlight will be firmly on Rohit when India face West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27.
The second ODI will be staged in Guwahati on September 30, before the series concludes in New Chandigarh on October 3.
Rohit and Kohli have already joined India’s preparations in Thiruvananthapuram, with the two senior batters seen together in the nets ahead of the opening encounter.
India are clearly beginning to look towards the 2027 World Cup, with the ICC itself describing the West Indies series as part of the team’s effort to build momentum towards the tournament.
Whether Rohit ultimately makes that journey will depend on his performances, fitness and the selectors’ plans over the coming year.
Jaffer’s position, though, is straightforward: if Rohit remains capable of delivering at the highest level and wants another shot at the World Cup, India should not underestimate the experience he can bring to the campaign.
