Matthew Hayden Questions Rohit Sharma’s Spot in 2027 World Cup

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has raised doubts about Rohit Sharma’s chances of playing in the 2027 World Cup. The comments come in the wake of Rohit’s removal as India’s ODI captain, with young star Shubman Gill taking over the leadership role following India’s commanding victory in the first Test against the West Indies. Hayden described the captaincy change as “an interesting move from afar,” suggesting that Rohit’s age could make him “vulnerable” as the selectors look toward the future.

The decision to replace Rohit, who led India to glory in the 2025 Champions Trophy, has sparked intense debate. At 38, Rohit remains one of India’s most prolific batsmen, with an illustrious career that includes nearly 50 runs per innings across 273 ODI matches. However, Hayden believes the selectors are prioritizing long-term planning by handing the captaincy to Gill, who will now lead India across all formats. “It’s a bit of an insurance policy to bring on Shubman Gill and ensure he’s in charge while Rohit is still in the dressing room,” Hayden said on JioStar. “If Rohit makes it to the next World Cup, it would just be a bonus.”

Hayden praised Rohit’s legacy, likening his era to those of cricketing giants Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. “The talent and class are always on display, and so is that magnificent body of work, not only in terms of his own performances but also India’s success as a team,” he noted. With the upcoming series in Perth marking Rohit’s return to international cricket since the Champions Trophy, all eyes will be on his performance as a batsman, free from the pressures of captaincy. Hayden expressed excitement about seeing Rohit and Kohli back in action, highlighting their combined experience of nearly 600 international games and their ability to thrive on Australia’s fast tracks.

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The Australian legend also lauded India’s current ODI squad, emphasizing the team’s perfect blend of youth and experience. He singled out Yashasvi Jaiswal as a rising star, noting that his youthful energy complements the veteran presence of players like Rohit and Kohli. “Success in ODI cricket depends on having the right mix of youth and experience, and that’s exactly what Team India have,” Hayden said. He also highlighted the importance of athleticism in the field, particularly for the grueling 50-over format, and praised India’s balanced bowling attack as a key strength heading into the series.

As India prepares to take on Australia at the iconic Optus Stadium in Perth, Hayden predicted a warm reception for the Indian stars. “Australian fans absolutely love seeing the very best athletes,” he said. “They’ve celebrated Virat Kohli like their own, and the same goes for Rohit Sharma.” With over a million Indian expatriates in Australia, the support for Team India is expected to be electric. Hayden believes the passionate crowds will rally behind Rohit and Kohli, even as local fans hope for an Australian victory.

The captaincy change has added an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming series, with Rohit’s form under scrutiny and Gill stepping into a high-pressure leadership role. As India builds toward the 2027 World Cup, the transition signals a new chapter for the team, with young talents like Jaiswal and Gill poised to carry the baton. For now, fans eagerly await Rohit’s response on the field, as the cricketing world watches to see if the former captain can defy the odds and cement his place in India’s future plans.

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