Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh has strongly criticized the Indian team management over the way Rohit Sharma has been handled during the ongoing ODI series against England. The remarks come after reports suggested that the third and final ODI at Lord’s could be Rohit’s last appearance for India following another disappointing outing with the bat.
Rohit’s future in the 50-over format has been under intense scrutiny ever since he was removed as India’s ODI captain last year. With several younger batters pushing for opportunities and the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, speculation over the veteran opener’s place in the squad has only intensified. However, Ramesh believes judging a player of Rohit’s stature based on a handful of matches is unfair.
Sadagoppan Ramesh questions Team India’s handling of Rohit Sharma
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramesh expressed disappointment over the uncertainty surrounding Rohit’s future and argued that even the greatest players cannot perform consistently if they are forced to play every match under the fear of being dropped.
He questioned why selectors and coaches receive long-term backing while legendary cricketers are expected to justify their place after every game. The former India opener also felt that established players deserve greater respect after serving the country successfully for well over a decade.
“No one can perform if there is a sword hanging over their heads on a per-match basis. Will the selector and coach accept their continuing in the role hinging on winning each series? No. That’s why they get contracted for two or three years straightaway. So deciding anything based on one or two matches is wrong, especially with legends. I don’t understand why this team management has a problem with superstars. No one became a superstar overnight. Only those that consistently performed for 15 years become superstars. So they must be given the due respect and treatment,” Ramesh said.
Ramesh believes pressure has changed Rohit’s batting approach
Ramesh further suggested that the constant speculation over Rohit’s future has altered the fearless batting style that made him one of the world’s most destructive ODI openers. He pointed to Rohit’s aggressive approach during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where the Indian skipper regularly sacrificed his wicket to provide explosive starts for the team.
According to Ramesh, the pressure of retaining his place has forced Rohit to play more cautiously, taking away one of his biggest strengths. Ramesh also stressed that Rohit’s experience could prove invaluable during the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, where bounce and pace are expected to suit his batting style.
“Remember how Rohit Sharma played in the 2023 World Cup. For someone who was ready to throw his wicket away for the team getting off to fast starts, they’ve turned him into someone who has to not lose his wicket to keep his place in the side through this pressure. The World Cup being in South Africa, where there will be bounce, should only help Rohit’s selection, considering his prowess against bounce. If India plays the World Cup without Rohit, the loss is not only for him but also for Team India,” he concluded.
Rohit has endured a difficult run in the ongoing ODI series against England, averaging just 18.50 across the first two matches. However, his overall ODI record remains among the finest in world cricket, with the veteran opener scoring 1,575 runs in ODI World Cups at an average of over 60, including a record seven centuries.
