New Delhi: The run-up to Tuesday’s India selection meeting was described as busy and high-pressure, with the selectors working on the pathway for next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa. Even before final squad discussions for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, there was a clear cloud of uncertainty over Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya’s fitness—especially regarding whether both can handle the demands of 50-over cricket at peak intensity.
Fitness questions shape ODI selection debate
Rohit and Hardik were ultimately named for the Afghanistan ODIs, but only on the condition that they are fit. Internally, however, the BCCI’s concerns go beyond whether they can simply take the field—there is worry about whether their bodies can cope with the workload required in the World Cup window that runs from October to November.
- Hardik Pandya: The selectors, team management and the BCCI are particularly uneasy about whether he can bowl his full quota of 10 overs “at full tilt” in ODI conditions.
- Rohit Sharma: The bigger apprehension is whether Rohit can stay available through the entire World Cup duration, given the physical toll and the specific match demands of 50-over cricket.
Rohit’s hamstring layoff and workload concerns
One of the key issues discussed was that Rohit did not feature in the IPL for three weeks due to a hamstring injury. It has been learnt that Rohit did not report to the BCCI’s centre of excellence (CoE) during that three-week period. While he has since appeared leaner, there are still doubts about his readiness to absorb the rigours of high-performance training and match intensity.
A BCCI source highlighted the practical differences between IPL and ODI cricket. In ODI games, Rohit would be required to field for the full 50-over spell, and the source pointed to the lack of an Impact Player option in ODIs—meaning teams cannot always manage workload the way they sometimes can in IPL. The source also noted that when a player is “so close to turning 40,” recovery and full adaptation to load can take time.
Hardik’s late fitness update and bowling clearance
Hardik’s situation was also flagged as complicated by timing. It was understood that he was not informed about fitness concerns until around 48 hours before the selection meeting, adding to the uncertainty in the lead-in period. The source also noted that Hardik has not played for Mumbai Indians since May 2.
After the match in Chennai, he reportedly complained of back spasms, and he has not played since. While he is said to have been training at Reliance’s facility and at Wankhede Stadium, it was still not clear what specific benchmarks he needs to meet to demonstrate full fitness.
- Hardik was not communicated about fitness issues until roughly two days before the selection meeting.
- He has not played for Mumbai Indians since May 2.
- Back spasms were reported after a game in Chennai, and he has not featured since.
- He has been training at the Reliance facility and at Wankhede.
- Selectors remain most concerned about whether he can deliver a complete 10-over spell.
Selectors weigh backup opener options
As Rohit’s availability remains a key variable, the selectors and team management are said to be getting “edgy” about the need to prepare additional opening options beyond Yashasvi Jaiswal. The World Cup planning window is not seen as offering many ODI matches before the tournament, and internal discussions have also noted that Jaiswal has not received enough game time so far.
Ishan is reportedly picked with the intention that he can operate as an opener as well. Still, contingency planning is underway: if Rohit does not make it to the World Cup, and either Shubman Gill or Jaiswal suffers an injury, the team needs another opener ready to step in.
January bowling clearance timeline and roles for Reddy, Harshit Rana
Regarding Hardik, the source explained that in the first week of January he was not cleared by the CoE to bowl 10 overs ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand. Because of that, he was not chosen for the Afghanistan ODIs initially. However, five days after that decision, Hardik bowled a 10-over spell for Baroda in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match.
Looking ahead, the selectors are reportedly banking on Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana to take on the roles of medium-pace bowling allrounders, particularly in scenarios where Hardik’s full bowling workload remains in question.
Separating Rohit and Virat Kohli ODI planning
Another point discussed within the BCCI setup is a shift away from treating Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI prospects as a combined conversation. It has been observed that Kohli’s fitness and form are currently better than most players in India, but the view inside the group is that Rohit and Kohli can no longer be “clubbed together.”
The source said a firm decision has to be taken on Rohit after consulting the BCCI medical team, emphasizing that the final call should be based on his individual fitness and readiness rather than paired comparisons.
Rohit’s batting style after captaincy change
Attention has also turned to Rohit’s batting approach since he was relieved of captaincy after the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. It has been noted that Rohit has not been playing the ultra-aggressive brand of batting that many associate with his ODI and T20 exploits. Sources added that the team management is not fully convinced by this method and is still assessing how it fits into the World Cup requirements.
