Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has urged the BCCI and team management to provide Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli with complete clarity over their ODI futures, insisting that players of their stature deserve to know whether they remain part of India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.
Speaking to JioStar during the third ODI between India and England at Lord’s, Yuvraj said the uncertainty surrounding the two batting greats reminded him of the final years of his own international career, when he felt he was left in the dark about his role in the side.
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“I have been in that position, which Rohit and Virat find themselves in. So, it’s not fair for us to judge whether they should play. It’s the team management, the coach and the selectors who have to decide that,” Yuvraj said.
The former India star stressed that if the selectors want Rohit and Kohli to continue until the next World Cup, they must communicate that decision clearly and back them through difficult phases.
“If you want them to play the World Cup, you have to put your hand on their shoulders and tell them, ‘Guys, we want you to play the World Cup. We are backing you all the way. Go out there and be yourselves. There is no stress that tomorrow, if you don’t have a good series, that you’re not going to be in the team,’” he added.
YUVRAJ URGES SELECTORS TO BE UPFRONT WITH ROHIT, VIRAT
The debate over the futures of Rohit and Kohli has intensified in recent months. Questions over Rohit’s future resurfaced during India’s tour of England, although BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia moved quickly to dismiss reports suggesting that the Lord’s ODI could be his final appearance in Indian colours.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Yuvraj said uncertainty can place an unnecessary burden on senior players who have given years of service to the national team.
“You need to have that clarity from the coach, captain and selectors, whoever it is. Because I did not have that clarity, and I thought that was not good for someone who had represented India for so many years,” he said.
The 44-year-old also called for honesty from the selectors as India build towards the next World Cup cycle.
“And if someone isn’t in your plans, be honest with them. It will be a hard call, it might look bad on the outside, but they’ll appreciate that you said it to their face.”
On Sunday, Rohit scored 138 off 110 balls, hitting 17 fours and five sixes, but India slumped to a 27-run defeat and conceded the three-match series 1-2. However, the visitors would have been relieved to see their captain return to form after underwhelming outings in Birmingham and Cardiff.
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