'Don't think Rohit Sharma would be my choice': Manjrekar on India's 2027 World Cup squad

NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma is set to return to ODI action in India's three-match series against England, starting July 14 at Edgbaston. The former India captain was named in the squad after featuring in the recent ODI series against Afghanistan.Rohit scored 143 runs in three matches against Afghanistan at an average of 47.67, including one half-century. With the 2027 ODI World Cup still more than a year away, discussions have already begun over whether the veteran opener will be part of India's plans for the tournament.Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes the focus should be on the future of Indian cricket rather than individual players.'We should think about what is best for Indian cricket'When asked if he sees Rohit playing in the 2027 World Cup, Manjrekar gave a frank response."I mean this will become controversial. But I think I should not care; I have not cared for all these years. We are in mid-2026, and that World Cup is in late 2027. I think India have options. Virat Kohli, with his sheer fitness, is making a strong case. But what happens here is when we select, we are thinking Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma. We should think about what is best for Indian cricket," Sanjay Manjrekar said on Sony Sports.'Opening in 50 overs is fun'Manjrekar also said India should consider investing in younger players who can serve the team for many more years."Opening in 50 overs is fun. It is a rehabilitation programme. That, I think, you should give to a player who is in his prime and has got another 5-10 years. If you are thinking only about Rohit Sharma, it's not right. You have to think about Indian cricket, the future of Indian cricket. In that space, I don't think Rohit Sharma would be my choice in the squad."Rohit, Kohli return for England seriesThe ODI squad for the England series also includes Virat Kohli, although his participation is subject to fitness after recovering from a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the Afghanistan series.Jasprit Bumrah returns to lead the pace attack, with Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Gurnoor Brar also included.KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan have been picked as the wicketkeepers, while Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar will lead the spin department.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.