Krishnamachari Srikkanth Explains Why Rohit Sharma Missed 2011 World Cup Squad
Srikkanth reveals selection strategy led to Rohit Sharma’s 2011 World Cup exclusion despite strong credentials.
Former BCCI chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has publicly revisited one of Indian cricket’s most debated selection calls — the omission of Rohit Sharma from India’s 2011 ODI World Cup squad — admitting that he still feels regret over the decision. Speaking on The Week podcast with journalist Ayaz Memon, Srikkanth said the call was not intentional but driven by the team composition strategy at the time.
Srikkanth explained that the selection committee prioritised players who could contribute in multiple departments, especially those who could bowl a few overs if required. He said the thinking was influenced by the balance seen in successful past teams, including India’s 1983 World Cup-winning side. The squad that eventually went on to win the 2011 World Cup included several part-time bowling options such as Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina, and Yusuf Pathan, with Ravichandran Ashwin also considered as a backup spin option.
Reflecting on the decision, Srikkanth admitted that Rohit Sharma was capable of playing in that tournament but missed out due to the emphasis on “multi-dimensional” players. He also said he had personally conveyed his regret to Rohit, stating that the decision was based on team balance rather than form or ability. “I feel bad even today,” he noted, while acknowledging that Rohit’s exclusion remains one of the unfortunate calls of that selection cycle.
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The missed opportunity has remained a talking point in Rohit Sharma’s career narrative. While he went on to become one of India’s most successful white-ball players, winning the T20 World Cup in 2007 and 2024, as well as the Champions Trophy in 2013 and 2025, the ODI World Cup trophy has remained elusive in terms of being part of a winning squad.
Rohit later led India in the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil, guiding the team to an unbeaten run into the final. However, India fell short against Australia in the title clash in Ahmedabad, extending his wait to be part of a World Cup-winning ODI squad despite an otherwise decorated international career.
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