India coach says Ajit Agarkar

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar He was praised Rohit Sharma For standing up amidst the uproar over his future in the ODI team after being stripped of the captaincy. Bangar insisted that Rohit Sharma still has a big role to play for India, especially in the 2027 ICC World Cup.

Rohit has been named in the 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting on 19 October in Perth, where Shubman Gill made his debut as captain in the 50-over format.

Sanjay Bangar praises Rohit Sharma’s team-first mentality; Supports him in the 2027 ICC World Cup

Ahead of the much-awaited ODI series, Bangar highlighted Rohit’s selfless approach over the years, pointing out how the Indian opener put the team’s needs above his own and played aggressive cricket in the first 10 overs of ODI cricket.

The former all-rounder stressed that as long as Rohit maintains his form and fitness, he fully deserves a place in India’s squad for the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa.

Read also: Virat Kohli shocks fans with his cool attitude on his arrival in Delhi ahead of the Australia tour

“Rohit Sharma wanted to set a different template. When India were not able to cross the last step in 50-over cricket, he took a huge responsibility on his shoulders for how he batted in the first 10 overs,” Star Sports quoted Sanjay Bangar as saying.

He did a lot of things for the team. “You want to see an exceptional performance from Rohit Sharma because, based on the feeling he conveyed and the interviews we read, I feel he is still very keen to play until the 2027 World Cup, and if he maintains his form and fitness, I feel he fully deserves a place.”

Sanjay Bangar wants Rohit Sharma to continue playing aggressive cricket in ODIs

Meanwhile, Rohit’s record against Australia is impressive, as he has scored 2,407 runs in 46 ODIs at an average of 57.30. Overall, the former Indian captain has 1168 runs at 48.76 across 273 ODI runs to his name. Well, Bangar believes Rohit will continue to play strongly in Australia.

“He will try to play in the same style only because the next World Cup will be held in South Africa. The Indian team has a chance here because they will not get many chances to play in such conditions. You will see these fast and jumping pitches even in South Africa,” he added.

Read also: Mohammed Shami drops bomb on Australia tour, attacks Ajit Agarkar over fitness excuse

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma need Shubman Gill’s guidance: Sanjay Bangar

Besides his batting, Rohit’s presence in the dressing room will be crucial for the new skipper, Shubman Gill. The cricket expert asserted that both Rohit and Virat Kohli will play an important role in helping Gill settle into the captaincy.

The former batting coach maintained that both Rohit and Kohli would want to make a strong start on the tour of Australia because of the stature they have and the way they can contribute. Bangar also feels that Rohit has a big role to play as a former captain to make the young skipper feel comfortable.

He signed off by saying, “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have to give this space to Shubman Gill for him to start his ODI career as captain, as he did in Tests.”

Notably, Kohli is also back with the upcoming ODI series in Australia. Neither Rohit nor Virat have played for India since their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy win in March.