Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has praised Rohit Sharma for his selflessness amid the uproar over his ODI future after he was removed as captain. 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, which begins on October 19 in Perth, with Shubman Gill making his captaincy debut in the 50-over format.
Sanjay Bangar praises Rohit Sharma’s team-oriented mindset; backs him for ICC World Cup 2027
Ahead of the much-anticipated ODI series, Bangar highlighted Rohit’s selfless approach over the years, mentioning how the Indian opener put the team’s needs before his own and played aggressive cricket in the first 10 overs of ODI cricket.
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The former all-rounder stressed that as long as Rohit maintains his form and fitness, he fully deserves a place in the Indian squad for the 2027 ICC World Cup in South Africa.
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Sanjay Bangar was quoted as telling Star Sports, “Rohit Sharma wanted to set a different model. When India was unable to take the final step in 50-over cricket, he took a huge responsibility on how he would bat in the first 10 overs.”
He did a lot of things for the benefit of the team. You want to see exceptional performances from Rohit Sharma because from the sentiment he has conveyed and the interviews we have read, I think he is still very much looking forward to playing until the 2027 World Cup, and if he maintains his form and fitness, I think he fully deserves a place.
Sanjay Bangar wants Rohit Sharma to continue playing aggressive cricket in ODIs
Meanwhile, Rohit’s record against Australia is exceptional, scoring 2,407 runs in 46 ODIs at an average of 57.30. In total, the former Indian captain has 1,168 runs at 48.76 from 273 ODIs to his name. Well, Bangar believes that Rohit will continue to play aggressively in Australia.
He added: “He will try to play in the same style only because the next World Cup will be in South Africa. The Indian team has an opportunity here as they will not get many opportunities to play in these kinds of conditions. You will see these fast and bouncy pitches even in South Africa.”
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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma must mentor Shubman Gill: Sanjay Bangar
Beyond his batting, Rohit’s presence in the dressing room will be crucial for new captain Shubman Gill. The cricket expert pointed out that Rohit and Virat Kohli will play an important role in helping Gill establish himself in leadership.
The former batting coach reiterated that Rohit and Kohli will want to make a good start in the Australia tour because of their stature and the way they can contribute. Bangar also feels that Rohit has a huge role as a former captain to make a young captain comfortable.
He ended by saying, “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have to give that space to Shubman Gill so that he starts his ODI career as captain, like he did in Tests.”
Notably, Kohli is also making his comeback with the upcoming ODI series in Australia. Neither Rohit nor Virat have played for India since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumph in March.
