With the 2027 ODI World Cup still some distance away, discussions around Rohit Sharma’s future in international cricket have already intensified. Questions about his form, fitness and ability to continue at the highest level have become common talking points. However, Dinesh Lad, the childhood coach of the former India captain, believes such concerns are unnecessary and he has urged Rohit to focus on enjoying his cricket rather than responding to criticism.
Rohit Sharma recently endured a lean run in One-Day Internationals, scoring just 61 runs in three innings during India’s last ODI series against New Zealand. The disappointing returns led to increased scrutiny from critics, with some suggesting that the veteran batter needs to prove both his fitness and form if he hopes to remain part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Dinesh Lad, however, sees things differently. Speaking to media on Friday, the veteran coach said that Rohit Sharma has already achieved enough in his career and does not need to prove himself to anyone. According to Dinesh Lad, the Indian opener remains clear about his goals and is highly motivated by one objective which is winning the ODI World Cup for India.
The coach emphasised that Rohit Sharma is still fit despite his age and that his experience will be crucial if India hopes to make another deep run in a major tournament. Dinesh Lad believes criticism is inevitable for any high-profile player but feels that India would benefit greatly from having a player of Rohit’s experience and quality in the squad.
Addressing concerns about Rohit Sharma’s batting, Dinesh Lad insisted there are no technical issues in his game. He explained that the nature of 50-over cricket often requires batters to spend time settling at the crease before accelerating. According to him, Rohit’s technique is perfectly suited for that approach. He pointed out that during the IPL, Rohit not only played attacking shots but also rotated the strike effectively through singles and doubles, showing that his overall batting game remains intact.
Dinesh Lad also responded to comments made by former India selector Saba Karim, who recently stated that Rohit would need to do significant “heavy lifting” over the coming months to convince selectors that he deserves a place in India’s 2027 World Cup plans.
Questioning why the spotlight was focused solely on Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Lad argued that the next six months are important for every player competing for a place in the national team. He said that performance is a requirement for everyone, not just one individual. He went a step further by expressing complete confidence in Rohit’s future, stating that he has a “100 per cent guarantee” that the batter will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The coach said he expects Rohit Sharma to perform strongly over the next six months and beyond, adding that if given opportunities, the veteran batter will continue to deliver. Dinesh Lad also highlighted that Rohit has only retired from Test cricket and T20 Internationals, not from ODIs, and therefore remains fully committed to the format.
To support his argument, Dinesh Lad pointed to Rohit Sharma’s remarkable achievements in ODI cricket. He noted that Rohit has scored three ODI double centuries, a feat unmatched by any other Indian batter, and owns an outstanding record in the format. He also recalled Rohit’s memorable 2019 World Cup campaign, during which he scored a record five centuries.
According to Dinesh Lad, Rohit’s desire to lift the ODI World Cup trophy remains the driving force behind his continued involvement in the format. The coach believes the Indian star is motivated by that goal and is unlikely to walk away until he feels he has given himself the best chance to achieve it.
He also dismissed suggestions that Rohit has become less committed after stepping away from other formats. Dinesh Lad revealed that the batter continues to train daily and works consistently on maintaining his fitness. He described Rohit as fully focused on preparing himself for the next World Cup challenge.
Offering his advice, Dinesh Lad said Rohit Sharma should focus on spending time at the crease because once settled, he becomes one of the most dangerous batters in world cricket. He urged him to draw inspiration from his performances during the 2019 World Cup and replicate that approach. Dinesh Lad concluded by saying that Rohit’s technique, temperament and fitness remain strong, and that the veteran should ignore criticism, continue playing domestic 50-over cricket and most importantly, enjoy the game.
Do you agree with Rohit Sharma’s childhood coach?
