Mumbai, Sept 4:
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, saying the veteran batter continues to perform at a high level.
Saikia questioned why there should be doubts about Rohit’s place in the Indian ODI side when the former captain is still producing significant performances.
“He is playing superbly in all the matches. So what more do you want?” Saikia told reporters after the BCCI’s review meeting in Mumbai on Thursday.
He also pointed to Rohit’s 138-run innings against England as evidence of the batter’s continuing value to the Indian team.
“In the last match he scored 138 runs, so why is there a speculation?” Saikia said, adding that he did not want to provide “fodder” for speculation.
Rohit, who has retired from Test and T20I cricket, currently plays only the ODI format for India. His future has attracted increasing attention with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching.
Saikia’s comments provide a strong indication that the BCCI is not currently looking to push Rohit towards retirement. The veteran opener remains an important part of India’s ODI plans as the team builds towards the next World Cup.
The BCCI review meeting was attended by Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, head coach Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman, director of cricket at the Centre of Excellence.
Saikia also clarified that there was no discussion at the meeting about extending chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s contract. Agarkar was absent as he was out of station.
He also rejected speculation about Laxman being appointed as the BCCI’s director of cricket, saying there had been no such discussion or intention.