New Delhi, October 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik has backed Rohit Sharma to play a crucial role in India’s campaign at the 2027 ODI World Cup, citing the former captain’s ability to adapt to difficult conditions after his measured 92 against the West Indies.
India were in early trouble in the third ODI at the CA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh after losing captain Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli within the first three overs. With the pitch offering assistance to the fast bowlers, Rohit initially adopted a cautious approach before accelerating later in his innings.
Batting alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rohit helped India negotiate the difficult phase before eventually scoring 92 off 85 deliveries.
Karthik said Rohit’s approach demonstrated the value of experience in high-pressure situations. Speaking on Cricbuzz, he noted that Rohit scored only 20 runs from his first 40 balls but trusted himself to accelerate once the conditions became more favourable.
“The beauty of having experience is that they have seen this situation a lot before,” Karthik said, explaining that Rohit initially focused on preventing further wickets before increasing his scoring rate.
Karthik pointed to the spells from Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph, saying Rohit was prepared to defend deliveries outside his scoring areas rather than force the pace.
He said a similar situation could arise in South Africa during the 2027 World Cup, when the experience of players such as Rohit, Gill and Virat Kohli could prove valuable in adjusting their approach according to match conditions.
Karthik added that a younger Rohit might have attempted more ambitious shots in such circumstances, whereas his experience now allows him to reduce his tempo temporarily while remaining confident of recovering the scoring rate later.
Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane also praised Rohit’s innings, saying the West Indies had their best opportunity when the bowlers found assistance from the surface.
Rahane observed that Rohit left several deliveries, resisted his usual attacking approach and assessed the conditions before building a partnership with Gaikwad. He then capitalised against the spinners later in the innings.
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