Rohit Sharma’s Hunger Under Scanner: 2027 World Cup Too Far Away?

India's veteran batter Rohit Sharma is facing fresh scrutiny after a dip in his batting form during the recent ODI series against New Zealand. Once a cornerstone of India’s batting line-up across formats, Rohit’s current struggles have raised questions about his motivation and longevity in international cricket.

Rohit, who has retired from T20Is and Tests, now plays only in ODIs for India. His performance against the Black Caps was underwhelming, scoring just 11 in the series-deciding match and a total of 61 runs across three ODIs. This has contrasted sharply with his earlier form against South Africa, where he accumulated 146 runs in three matches.

The concern over Rohit’s hunger and commitment was voiced by former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull. “I just wonder, that 2027 World Cup, is that too far away? Does he have that real hunger?” Doull questioned after the latest match, reflecting growing doubts among cricket pundits about Rohit’s motivation in the twilight of his career.

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Despite the recent slump, Rohit was named the Player of the Series during India’s ODI tour of Australia last year, proving he still has the ability to dominate when in form. However, sustaining consistency has been a challenge, particularly against stronger bowling attacks like New Zealand’s, which expose any technical or timing issues in his game.

Fans and analysts are now debating whether Rohit should continue as a regular in the Indian ODI squad or gradually transition into a mentorship role for younger batters. His experience remains invaluable, but questions about form and hunger dominate current discussions in cricketing circles.

With the 2027 World Cup still two years away, the next few series will be crucial for Rohit Sharma to reaffirm his standing and silence critics. India’s team management and fans alike will be watching closely to see if the veteran batter can rekindle his hunger and consistency ahead of the next major ICC tournament.

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