Rohit Sharma’s future, 2027 FIFA World Cup ODI schedule and recent setbacks on BCCI’s meeting schedule

BCCI on agenda: Rohit’s future, WC plan and India’s recent past (Agency Images) Mumbai/New Delhi: Rohit Sharma’s future and the shape of India’s ODI team for the next World Cup cycle will dominate discussions when BCCI top officials meet in Mumbai on Thursday for a comprehensive performance review.While recent defeats in Ireland, England and Sri Lanka will be assessed, board officials are understood to be more concerned about the lack of a clearly defined ODI schedule as preparations for the 2027 World Cup loom.The meeting will be attended by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, President Mithun Manhas, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and Head of Center of Excellence VVS Laxman, ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill and T20I captain Shreyas Iyer are also expected to be present.At the center of the debate lies the most sensitive issue facing Indian cricket: Rohit’s future. While there is immense respect for the veteran’s stature and achievements, selectors and team management members are increasingly aware of the need to prepare for a post-Rohit era.According to sources, one of the options being considered is to evaluate Rohit’s role on a series-by-series basis rather than committing to a long-term plan throughout the World Cup cycle.“It is very difficult for a young captain like Shubman Gill when there is no clear direction. The dressing room environment in the ODI team was not the best, especially when it comes to dealing with the stalwarts,” said a BCCI source.The uncertainty surrounding Rohit reflects wider concerns. Of the three Indian national teams, the ODI side is considered the least settled. Injuries and workload management prevented selectors from identifying a stable core, leaving several key positions unsettled.The role of an all-round fast bowler remains a particular headache. Hardik Pandya continues a controlled workload program after recurring fitness issues, while Nitish Kumar Reddy is yet to be given full clearance after rehab.“Hardik has been cleared to play six one-day matches at the moment. Reddy is yet to clear his fitness tests. The ODI squad does not have half of the core ODI squad ready. It has to be a joint effort between the CoE and the team management to focus on the players and formulate a plan to get them all on the park as soon as possible,” said the source.The revision was originally planned after the tour of Ireland and England, but was postponed due to the subsequent assignment in Sri Lanka. It will now cover India’s performances in several tours, including Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.India’s 2-0 T20I series defeat in Ireland and 4-0 defeat in England have raised alarm, with the 125-run loss in Nottingham being seen internally as one of the team’s worst performances in recent years. Gill’s ODI side also lost the England series 2–1.But officials insist the exercise will focus on solutions rather than assigning blame, with particular emphasis on recurring problems in preparation, selection and execution.Fitness management is expected to be another important point. Jasprit Bumrah has missed the Sri Lanka tour after aggravating a knee problem, while Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana remain in line for a fitness assessment at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru on September 9.With a two-Test tour of New Zealand scheduled for November and a busy calendar ahead, the board wants closer coordination between the medical staff, strength and conditioning team and national selectors to ensure greater player availability.

New role for Laxman

The meeting could also have significant administrative consequences. Laxman is being considered for an expanded role, with discussions continuing for a possible director of cricket position to oversee coaching, selection and player development pathways. Agarkar’s tenure as chief selector, which ends later this month, will also be reviewed, with a one-year extension among the options being mooted.

The Chairman’s XI match against visiting teams may return

Meanwhile, the BCCI is also looking into the possibility of reviving the traditional Chairman’s XI match before the home series on the recommendation of Manhas. Historically featuring top domestic performers and Test hopefuls against visiting teams, the match has often served as a springboard for India’s future players, while also providing valuable match preparation for touring teams.