NEW DELHI: The lead-up to Tuesday's selection meeting was marked by intense discussions as selectors charted the roadmap for next year's ODI World Cup in South Africa. A major point of contention was the fitness of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. While both were eventually included in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, subject to fitness clearance, the BCCI harbors significant concerns about their ability to perform at an optimal level in the 50-over format.
Concerns Over Hardik Pandya's Bowling Workload
Sources indicate that the selectors, team management, and BCCI are particularly worried about Hardik Pandya's capacity to bowl a full 10-over spell at maximum intensity. Hardik has not played for Mumbai Indians since May 2 due to back spasms. Although he has been training at Reliance's facility and Wankhede Stadium, his fitness status remains unclear. A BCCI source stated, "Hardik was not informed about fitness concerns until 48 hours before the selection meeting. He hasn't played since May 2, complaining of back spasms. While he has rejoined the team, it is not certain how he needs to prove his fitness. The selectors are primarily concerned about him not bowling 10 overs."
Rohit Sharma's Long-Term Durability Questioned
There is even greater apprehension regarding Rohit Sharma's ability to sustain peak performance until the World Cup in October-November next year. Rohit missed three weeks of IPL due to a hamstring injury and did not report to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) during that period. The source added, "Rohit didn't report to the CoE for those three weeks. He has become lean, but there are concerns about his body handling the demands of high-performance sport. He must field for 50 overs, and ODI cricket lacks the Impact Player option available in the IPL. Recovery takes longer when a player is approaching 40."
Backup Openers Needed
The selectors and team management are growing anxious about Rohit's situation, necessitating the development of additional backup openers beyond Yashasvi Jaiswal. "There are limited ODIs before the World Cup. Jaiswal hasn't had enough game time. Ishan Kishan has been selected to double up as an opener. However, if Rohit is unavailable for the World Cup and either Shubman Gill or Jaiswal gets injured, another opener must be ready," the source explained.
Hardik's Previous Fitness Issues
In early January, Hardik was not cleared to bowl 10 overs by the CoE ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand, leading to his exclusion from the ODIs to preserve him for the T20 World Cup. Ironically, he bowled a 10-over spell for Baroda in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match just five days later. The selectors are now relying on Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana to fill the role of medium-pace bowling allrounders.
Separating Rohit and Virat Kohli's Prospects
It has also emerged that the BCCI and team management are moving away from the notion of treating Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's ODI futures as intertwined. "At present, Kohli's fitness and form are superior to most Indian cricketers. However, one must recognize that Kohli and Rohit can no longer be grouped together. A definitive decision on Rohit must be made after consulting the BCCI medical team," the source stated.
Change in Rohit's Batting Approach
Observers have noted that Rohit has not employed an ultra-aggressive batting style since being relieved of captaincy after the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Sources suggest the team management is not fully convinced by this approach.
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