Sharma Backs 39-Year-Old Rohit to Continue ODI Career
Former chief selector Chetan Sharma dismisses age concerns, urging India to retain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the upcoming World Cup.
Key points
- Former chief selector Chetan Sharma argues that age is irrelevant if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue to score runs and win trophies.
- Sharma praises the BCCI for making domestic first-class cricket mandatory for all India players to maintain their fitness and form.
- The former selector backs both the Indian men's and women's teams to win gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The dust from the Lord's pitch still hangs in the memory of July 19, when Rohit Sharma carved a 138 out of English air. That innings, sharp and decisive, now anchors a debate that has simmered for months over the 39-year-old's place in the national setup. In Mumbai, the atmosphere is thick with speculation, swirling around the impending exit of chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the uncertain fate of the former skipper's ODI contract.
Amidst this turbulence, Chetan Sharma, the former chief selector and 1987 World Cup hat-trick hero, has stepped into the fray with a clear, unshakeable stance. He does not see a problem with age; he sees a problem with hesitation. For Sharma, the question is not how old the batters are, but whether they can still bend the game to their will. The answer, in his view, is an emphatic yes.
Kohli and Rohit remain the core
Sharma likens Rohit and Virat Kohli to the Kohinoor diamonds of Indian cricket, precious stones that shine brightest under pressure. He recalls the weight of their contributions, from Rohit's captaincy that secured the T20 World Cup after a 17-year drought to Kohli’s relentless scoring in every match he touches. "If they are fit, they are getting the runs, then why not?" Sharma asks, a rhetorical challenge that cuts through the noise. He argues that the BCCI should be grateful for players who deliver trophies and runs, rather than listening to external chatter about retirement.
Respect for the domestic grind
The debate over selection is intrinsically linked to the value of domestic cricket. Sharma, who served as chief selector from late 2020 to early 2023, expresses deep satisfaction with the BCCI’s new mandate. It requires all India players to participate in first-class cricket, specifically the Ranji Trophy, provided they are fit and available. "My dream has come true," Sharma says, noting that the board finally recognizes the need to respect the grassroots level. He believes that consistent performance in domestic matches should be the primary currency for international selection, not just the memory of past glories.
Gold medal targets in Japan
The focus now shifts to the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Sharma places his bets firmly on both the men's and women's teams to clinch gold. The women’s team is set to face Sri Lanka in the final on Tuesday, while the men’s squad, led by Shreyas Iyer, will kick off their campaign in the quarterfinals on September 28. As reported by Yahoo Sports and other outlets, this push for dominance in Asia underscores the board's commitment to broadening India's cricketing reach beyond the traditional formats.
