Inside the Rohit Sharma Power Struggle: Report Claims BCCI and Selectors Clash Over 2027 World Cup

A reported disagreement has emerged between the BCCI's top brass and India's senior selection committee over Rohit Sharma's ODI future, with differing views on whether the veteran opener should remain part of India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

According to a report by Dainik Jagran, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, and the Indian team management are keen to begin planning for the next World Cup without Rohit, while the BCCI leadership has publicly continued to back the former captain.

Lord's century changed the narrative

Speculation surrounding Rohit's future intensified during India's ODI series against England last month.

After scores of 11 and 26 in the opening two matches, reports suggested that the third ODI at Lord's would be his final international appearance.

However, two days before the match, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly dismissed the retirement speculation, stating that Rohit would remain part of India's plans as long as he continued to feature in the team's roadmap.

Rohit then responded with a memorable innings, smashing 138 at Lord's despite India's defeat. The knock made him the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue and the oldest Indian to register an international hundred, while also reinforcing his desire to play in the 2027 World Cup.

Report claims selectors felt undermined

The Dainik Jagran report claims that the public backing from the BCCI created friction with the selection committee.

According to the report, one selector had already discussed Rohit's future with a senior BCCI official, while Rohit himself had also been informed about the direction of the team's long-term planning.

The report further alleges that several selectors felt "betrayed" after the board publicly supported Rohit, believing that the decision was influenced by the strong public reaction and social media debate surrounding his future.

It also claims that the team management continues to believe India should move towards a younger ODI core ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Neither the BCCI nor the selection committee has officially commented on these claims.

Agarkar's future also under scrutiny

The report adds that the controversy has also placed chief selector Ajit Agarkar's position under renewed scrutiny.

Agarkar, whose tenure was recently extended by three months, is reportedly facing uncertainty, with former India batter VVS Laxman emerging as a potential candidate to succeed him.

According to the report, discussions remain at a preliminary stage, with a final decision expected during the BCCI Annual General Meeting later this year.

For now, there has been no official indication from the BCCI regarding any change to the selection committee, and Rohit Sharma remains available for ODI selection.