Rohit Sharma’s ODI century at Lord’s may have silenced some of the questions about his future but in the future, there is uncertainty on whether the former India captain will be included in the team for the World Cup in South Africa next year.
Rohit’s form and fitness will be in the spotlight as India prepares for big tournaments. The veteran opener had recently answered the critics with a brilliant century at Lord’s and became the first Indian batsman to score an ODI hundred at the iconic venue.
But questions of his long-term place in India’s ODI plans have not completely disappeared.
There was talk that selectors were considering moving on from Rohit as well as giving Yashasvi Jaiswal a greater opportunity at the top of the order. Rohit, captain Shubman Gill and the BCCI denied that.
Despite these denials there has so far been no clear indication of whether Rohit will be part of the selectors’ long-term plans.
But former Indian cricketer Madan Lal thinks the answer to that question should be straightforward.
Lal says that if Rohit continues to score runs and remains fit, there should be no reason to exclude him from the Indian ODI team.
In fact, the former cricketer challenged the selectors to drop Rohit if they genuinely believe he no longer fits into their plans.
“Let someone try dropping him; I’d like to see who has the courage to do that,” Lal said while speaking on Kadak.
### ‘If He Is Performing, Let Him Play’
Lal said fitness remains a key factor to any player in India who wants to represent India at the international level.
He also acknowledged that the team management has to plan for the future and gradually prepare the next generation of players.
However, he argued that future planning should not come at the cost of ignoring a player who is still performing at the highest level.
"If he’s playing and he’s performing, then let him play,” Lal said.
He also dismissed the speculation about Rohit’s future and admitted that there are many rumours about the cricketer and his connections are personal and not motivated by popularity.
He said ultimately the final decision to continue playing would be made by Rohit himself.
### ‘Everyone Has To Leave The Game Someday’
Lal acknowledged that every cricketer eventually has to retire.
But he said Rohit should not be pushed out of the team if he continues to score runs and wants to remain available for selection.
“Everyone has to leave the game someday. But if Rohit Sharma is performing well and wants to keep playing, then just be quiet,” Lal said.
His comments come as Indian cricket is on the verge of a major change.
Rohit has already stepped away from T20I cricket and is no longer India’s ODI captain, with Shubman Gill now leading the team in the format.
The selectors must therefore balance the experience of the senior players and the need to construct a team for future tournaments.
Rohit’s latest century, however, has ensured that the debate over his ODI future is still alive.
According to Madan Lal, the argument is simple: performance and fitness should decide selection.
And if Rohit continues to deliver with the bat, the former India captain may yet force the selectors to keep him firmly in their plans for the next World Cup.
