'Jaiswal Should Be Part of World Cup Team'- Ambati Rayudu Backs Left-Hand Opener While Insisting RoKo Remain Irreplaceable In ODI Setup

As India shape their plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, speculation continues over Rohit Sharma's future and the composition of the team's top order. With the Indian management yet to provide a clear indication of Rohit's long-term role, discussions around the veteran opener's place in the side have only intensified.

While Rohit remains one of India's most experienced match-winners, his recent ODI performances have been inconsistent, combining moments of brilliance with a string of low scores. As he advances in his career, questions about his longevity and role in India's World Cup plans have inevitably come into focus.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has emerged as one of the strongest contenders for India's opening slot ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Though most of his ODI appearances have come as an injury replacement, the left-hander has made a strong impression whenever given the opportunity. At the same time, Rohit Sharma remains one of India's most dependable batters, valued for his experience and ability to balance caution with aggression.

However, with younger players like Jaiswal pushing for regular opportunities, competition for the top-order spots is intensifying, leaving Rohit under pressure to maintain his place as India builds towards the next World Cup. Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu says that Yashasvi Jaiswal walks into the team 'almost certainly,' but Rohit and Kohli's experience cannot be overlooked.

Rayudu Wants Yashasvi Jaiswal in World Cup Squad

There has been a lot of chatter going around 'RoKo vs Next generation', while a particular section believes that the RoKo (acronym for Rohit & Kohli) duet is 'irreplaceable', another section believes that both the cricketers need to cross the same litmus test, which is subjected to other cricketers of the country. Many eyeballs rolled out as well when Yashasvi Jaiswal was not given the due chance over Rohit Sharma despite scoring centuries in fewer innings than the hitman himself.

When asked about the matter, Ambati Rayudu believes Yashasvi Jaiswal deserves a place in India's ODI World Cup squad but insists the experienced duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remain indispensable. "Jaiswal, in my opinion, should be a part of the World Cup team for sure," Rayudu said.

He stressed that Rohit and Kohli cannot be replaced as long as they are fit, pointing to their ability to handle pressure in major tournaments. "Their experience is invaluable, and their handling of pressure in critical situations is what you really need in a World Cup, especially when you are playing abroad," he said.

Rayudu also praised Jaiswal's temperament, saying the youngster offers more than just aggressive strokeplay. "You need that in-between game, and Jaiswal is a brilliant player in doing that."

For Rayudu, Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli are "no-brainers" for the World Cup, adding that Rohit and Kohli "can really win us the World Cup going forward."