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Rohit Sharma is once again in the limelight, with a bunch of questions still popping up about what his future looks like inside India's ODI squad. People keep talking ,kind of loudly about his fitness and also how he’s been performing lately, so now it’s getting discussed whether the experienced opener should stay in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup or not

 

The thing is, at age 38 he already lost the ODI captaincy last year, even after he led the team to Champions Trophy glory. After that, Rohit apparently pushed himself on fitness work, and it’s being said he trimmed around 10 kilograms so he can stay sharp at the top level

 

But then, IPL 2026 came and with it a hamstring injury, and that is where the worry started all over again, because it throws a shadow on his longer-term path

 

Dinesh Lad Steps In For Rohit

 

Rohit’s childhood coach, Dinesh Lad, came out strong in support and feels Rohit doesn’t have to prove anything to anybody, like at all. In his words.

 

Dinesh Lad said:

 

"Being a coach, I don't think he needs to prove anything to anyone. He badly wants to win the ODI World Cup. I have spoken to him and he is very categoric with what he wants in his career. I don't think he needs to prove his fitness. Despite the age factor, he is still fit enough."

 

Lad also added that Rohit’s main attention is still on helping India win the ODI World Cup, which is basically one of the big trophies Rohit hasn’t fully clinched yet in his career

 

Also Read | India vs Afghanistan Test: Where Are India’s 2018 Test Players Now?

 

Criticism Gets Louder After A Drop In Form

 

Rohit has taken heat after a rough patch in his latest ODI series, this time against New Zealand. In three innings he managed only 61 runs, and that kind of dip, plus the fitness talk, has pushed some experts and fans to question where he fits

 

Even so, Lad thinks Rohit’s experience is still extremely valuable for India.

 

He added:

 

"Critics keep talking. It's their job. India needs Rohit's experience if we want to reach the finals. Technique-wise there is no problem. Moreover, in 50-over cricket, you need to settle a bit. Rohit has got such technique that allows you to settle and then launch yourself."

 

IPL 2026 Hints At His Quality

 

Lad also pointed to Rohit’s IPL 2026 show as a sign that his batting is still solid. He said Rohit showed control through the tournament and didn’t look like he was relying only on big swings. 

 

He further said:

 

"In the IPL also, he showed his technique. He wasn't only playing big shots but also taking singles and doubles. I don't understand the critics' point of view. My view is that he must be in the team."

 

World Cup Still The Biggest Target

 

Even with the criticism, and the injury concerns hanging around, Rohit looks determined to keep playing ODI cricket. With the 2027 ODI World Cup still ahead, the veteran batter is still centered on helping India succeed on the biggest stage

 

For now at least, Rohit has the backing of someone who has known him from the earliest days of his journey in the sport