Former Indian Test opener Sadagopan Ramesh has put his weight behind Rohit Sharma’s selection for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ramesh highlighted that Indian batters have scored 15 ODI centuries under Gautam Gambhir tutelage, out of which only two have come in SENA countries.

Interestingly, both of these centuries have been scored by none other than Rohit Sharma. The Indian veteran recently scored a majestic knock of 138 runs off just 110 balls in the third ODI against England at Lord’s when there were question marks raised on his place in the team. Earlier, Rohit had scored a fine century against Australia while playing away.

It was even reported that the Lord’s ODI will the swansong of Rohit’s international career. However, Rohit went on to put paid to all the speculations.

Sadagopan Ramesh said on Instagram handle, “The next World Cup is in South Africa, which is one of the SENA countries. There have been 15 ODI centuries by Indian players with Gautam Gambhir as head coach. However , only two have come in SENA countries. And Rohit Sharma is the one who scored both those centuries. So just by this logic, Rohit should be the first name written on the team sheet for the World Cup. There should be no hesitation on this.”

Ramesh feels performing well in SENA countries is the biggest challenge for Indian players and Rohit has all the experience to deliver the goods in tough conditions.

“The selectors still seem hesitant to pick Rohit Sharma for the 2027 World Cup. Yet, this is a simple logic through which Rohit should be an automatic choice for the tournament. And it has nothing to do with him being an all-time great player or other emotions. We all know that the SENA countries are the biggest challenge for Indian players,” said Ramesh (via the aforementioned source).

Rohit would look to carry on his good form and he would be next seen in action in the home ODI series against the West Indies.