Former India cricketer, Dinesh Karthik believes Rohit Sharma and the team’s senior stars face increasing selection pressure due to India’s unmatched bench strength ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
India's Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak during a practice session ahead of the third ODI match between India and England at Lord's Cricket Ground in London on Saturday, July 18, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik believes India’s unmatched depth in talent has made it harder than ever to secure a place in the national team, with even established stars facing intense competition ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
His comments come amid growing speculation over Rohit Sharma’s ODI future, although BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia recently dismissed reports that the third ODI against England at Lord’s could be the skipper’s final international appearance.
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“Right now, India is at a place where no other cricketing nation is. The number of cricketers that could fill up spots across the XI for any player is obviously the highest it has ever been, and it is definitely the highest right now among any cricketing nation.
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“So, there is going to be pressure for every player involved, and that’s what makes playing for the country right now so much more difficult. As a selector as well, it’s not easy. If you’re sitting in Ajit Agarkar’s chair, to weigh the possibility of having a current superstar or one that could be a superstar in a few years, we’re talking about some of the greatest that have played the game,” Karthik said on The Scoop by Wisden.
Karthik also paid tribute to Rohit Sharma, calling him one of India’s finest limited-overs players regardless of when he decides to retire.
“Irrespective of when he finishes, I do feel he’s been one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers. The kind of attitude he’s brought to the table, and the kind of memories he’s created on and off the field with so many players, is what will keep him smiling for the rest of his life.”
With Rohit set to be over 40 by the time the 2027 ODI World Cup begins, Karthik acknowledged the challenge of balancing respect for senior players with the rise of the next generation.
“It will need a lot of communication, a lot of clarity, and it’s not easy. Then you have the players themselves, who are obviously making a mark with every game they play. In every tournament they go to, they perform so well, and it is not easy to keep them out.
“But having said all of that, there is a way in which some of the seniors will want to finish, and I do wish they were given that opportunity because of what they’ve achieved for the country. But in saying that, it is not the easiest thing to achieve because sometimes not all fairy tales have a happy ending.”
Karthik’s comments underline the enviable challenge facing India’s selectors as they look to balance experience with emerging talent while building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.
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