'Age is just a number' - Chetan Sharma backs Rohit Sharma for 2027 ODI World Cup

Former India chief selector Chetan Sharma has backed Rohit Sharma to continue playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup, dismissing concerns about the captain's age. Sharma's statement comes amid ongoing debate about the future of senior players in India's limited-overs setup. The 2027 World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Chetan Sharma, who served as India's chief selector from December 2020 to February 2023, made his position clear in recent comments. He drew parallels between Rohit and Virat Kohli, emphasising their value to Indian cricket regardless of age. Sharma's backing carries weight given his experience in selection and his own playing career, during which he featured in 23 Tests and 65 ODIs between 1984 and 1994, taking 128 wickets across both formats.

"I can understand that people are saying a hundred things. I have been a cricketer too, so I respect and love them as cricketers. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are the 'Kohinoors' of Indian cricket. Age is just a number. If they are good, then why not (can they continue)," Sharma said to The Times of India.

"I myself was a selector. Rohit recently scored a century (138 against England at Lord's in third ODI on July 19). Virat, every game he gets one. Then what is the problem? We want players who can win games for us, and they both are capable of doing it," he added.

Rohit and Kohli are the 'Kohinoors' of Indian cricket

Sharma highlighted Rohit's recent performance as evidence of his continued fitness and form. The captain's 138-run knock against England at Lord's on July 19 demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure matches. Sharma questioned why such proven performers should be sidelined when they continue to produce match-winning contributions for the team.

"I love watching them when they come and bat for India and they win trophies for us. Rohit won us a trophy after so many years (when he captained India to their second T20 World Cup triumph, and first in 17 years). We should be grateful. We should not listen to other people," Sharma further added.

"If they are fit, they are getting the runs, then why not? I am asking this question to everyone," he said.

Sharma's comments reflect a merit-based approach to selection that prioritises performance over age. When he was chief selector, Sharma made Rohit the captain, a decision that demonstrated his confidence in the batter's leadership and cricketing ability. Virat Kohli has remained a consistent performer across formats, and Sharma emphasised that fitness and form should be the primary criteria for selection.

"I won't go into that. When I was the chief selector, we made Rohit the captain. We trusted him, that's why we made him the captain. Virat was always an asset for Indian cricket. As I said, if they are fit, they are getting runs for India, then we should be happy," he noted.

The timing of Sharma's comments is significant, coming as Ajit Agarkar's tenure as chief selector approaches its end on October 4, 2026. Earlier, on September 3, 2026, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia sought to quash uncertainty around Rohit's ODI future following a review meeting at BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. Sharma's public backing adds to the narrative surrounding the captain's international future.