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Rohit Sharma has once again found himself under the spotlight, with discussions swirling around his place in India’s ODI setup and what lies ahead for him. Questions about his fitness and recent performances have become louder, sparking debate over whether the seasoned opener should remain part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

At 38, Rohit lost his ODI captaincy last year, despite leading India to Champions Trophy success. Following that, he reportedly focused heavily on improving his fitness, even shedding close to 10 kilograms to maintain peak performance at the international level.

However, the 2026 IPL season brought new worries when a hamstring injury sidelined him, raising fresh concerns about his long-term prospects in the format.

Dinesh Lad Steps In For Rohit

Rohit’s childhood coach, Dinesh Lad, has come out strongly in his defence, asserting that the Indian opener has nothing left to prove. Lad emphasised Rohit’s commitment to the game and his clear focus on achieving his goals.

Dinesh Lad said:

"As a coach, I don’t believe he needs to prove anything to anyone. He is determined to win the ODI World Cup. I have spoken to him, and he is very clear about what he wants from his career. I don’t think his fitness should be questioned. Despite his age, he remains fit enough."

Lad further mentioned that Rohit’s prime motivation continues to be guiding India to an ODI World Cup title — one of the few major honours that has eluded him so far.

Criticism Gets Louder After A Drop In Form

The veteran opener has faced increasing criticism after a lean run in India’s recent ODI series against New Zealand. Across three innings, he managed just 61 runs, a dip that, combined with ongoing fitness debates, has led some analysts and fans to question his place in the team.

Despite the scrutiny, Lad believes Rohit’s experience remains indispensable for India’s success.

He added:

"Critics will always talk; that’s their job. India needs Rohit’s experience if the team wants to reach the finals. There’s no issue with his technique. In 50-over cricket, you need time to settle, and Rohit’s technique allows him to do that before accelerating."

IPL 2026 Hints At His Quality

Lad also highlighted Rohit’s performances in the 2026 IPL season as proof of his enduring class. According to him, Rohit displayed composure and control throughout the tournament, relying on a balanced approach rather than just aggressive hitting.

He further said:

"In the IPL, he demonstrated his technique well. He wasn’t just going for big shots but was smartly rotating the strike with singles and doubles. I don’t understand the critics’ perspective. In my opinion, he absolutely deserves a place in the team."

World Cup Still The Biggest Target

Despite criticism and fitness concerns, Rohit remains focused on continuing his ODI career. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, the experienced batter appears determined to help India achieve success on the world stage.

For now, Rohit continues to enjoy the unwavering support of his long-time mentor, Dinesh Lad, who has been part of his cricketing journey since the very beginning.