Rohit doesn’t need to prove himself, India need him for World Cup 2027: Dinesh Lad
Former India captain Rohit Sharma doesn’t need to prove his fitness or batting credentials to anyone, according to his childhood coach Dinesh Lad, who believes the veteran opener remains crucial to India’s hopes of winning the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rohit came under scrutiny after a lean run in his last ODI series against New Zealand where he managed just 61 runs in three innings. However, Lad dismissed concerns over the 39-year-old’s form and fitness, insisting that the criticism was unwarranted given Rohit’s stature and achievements in the format.
“As a coach, I don’t think he needs to prove anything to anyone. He wants to win the ODI World Cup badly. I spoke to him and he is very categorical about 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 told PTI Videos on Friday.
The veteran coach said India will benefit immensely from Rohit’s experience in the next World Cup and backed him to overcome his recent struggles.
“Critics keep talking. It’s their job. India need Rohit’s experience if we want to reach the final. Technique is not a problem. Also, in 50-over-50 cricket, you have to settle down a bit. Rohit has that technique which allows you to settle down and then pounce,” said Lad.
He also pointed to Rohit’s IPL performance where the opener mixed aggression with smart stroke rotation.
“He also showed his technique in the IPL. He didn’t just play big shots but also took singles and doubles. I don’t understand the critics’ point of view. My view is that he has to be in the team.”
Lad also responded to former national selector Saba Karim’s recent remarks that the next six months will be crucial for Rohit to cement his place in India’s 2027 FIFA World Cup plans.
“Why is the next six months crucial only for Rohit? It is crucial for all the players. Everyone needs to play well to keep their place in the team. I have a hundred percent guarantee that Rohit will definitely play the World Cup after 50 in 2027,” he said.
“He’s going to do well in these six months and months to come. If you give him a chance, he’ll do well.”
After retiring from Test cricket and T20 Internationals, Rohit is now focusing only on the ODI format. Lad believes his preparation is the driving force behind his desire to lift the World Cup trophy.
“He knows that if he has to play, there should be a reason for it. The reason is to win the ODI World Cup. He wants to win that for India at any cost. I am sure he will retire only after that,” said Lad.
The coach revealed that Rohit continues to work hard behind the scenes despite stepping back from the two international formats.
“Just because Rohit doesn’t play any other format doesn’t mean he has free time and is enjoying life. He is practicing every day and working on his fitness all the time. Don’t worry, he is preparing hard for the World Cup.”
Lad also reminded critics of Rohit’s remarkable ODI record, which includes three double centuries and a record five hundreds in the 2019 World Cup.
“He retired from Tests and T20Is, not ODIs. His ODI record is impeccable. I don’t think there is any pressure on him,” Lad said.
Lad offered his former pupil a final piece of advice, urging Rohit to trust the formula that has brought him success in the past.
“Rohit should stay at the wicket and once he settles down, he is a dangerous player. I would like to remind him how he played in the 2019 World Cup. He should play again.”
“He should play 50-plus home matches. Criticism will come but Rohit should ignore it. He should enjoy playing.”
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
05 June 2026 19:00 IST