Rohit Sharma And Hardik Pandya’s Fitness Under Scanner As Duo Doubtful For 2027 World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have reportedly become major fitness concerns for the BCCI, with selectors closely monitoring their workload and long-term availability ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup have reportedly hit an early concern, with Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya emerging as two key fitness worries for the team management. Despite the concerns, both players have been included in India’s squad for next month’s ODI series against Afghanistan.

For Hardik Pandya, the focus remains firmly on his bowling workload. The selectors are reportedly keen to ensure that the all-rounder is capable of consistently delivering his full quota of 10 overs in ODI cricket, especially with India looking for a reliable pace-bowling all-rounder ahead of the World Cup in South Africa next year.

Reports suggest that the BCCI Centre of Excellence had earlier refused to clear Pandya for bowling 10 overs during January, which eventually led to his omission from the ODI series against New Zealand.

His recent injury concerns during IPL 2026 have only intensified the discussion. Pandya missed three matches for Mumbai Indians because of back spasms before returning to action later in the tournament.

“While he has rejoined the team (MI), it is not ascertained how he needs to prove his fitness. The selectors are only worried about him not bowling 10 overs,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by The Times Of India.

Rohit Sharma’s Fielding Fitness Raises Questions

The Indian selectors are also believed to be concerned about Rohit Sharma’s ability to remain physically fit throughout a full 50-over ODI match.

Unlike the IPL, where Mumbai Indians have often used Rohit as an Impact Player, international cricket does not offer such flexibility. The report claimed that the veteran batter’s workload and recovery are now being closely assessed by the management.

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Rohit also suffered a hamstring injury midway through IPL 2026, which sidelined him for nearly three weeks. According to reports, he did not report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence during that recovery period.

“Rohit didn’t report to the BCCI’s centre of excellence (CoE) for those three weeks,” the source claimed. “He has become lean but there are concerns about his body being able to take the load of high-performance sport.”

“He has to field for 50 overs. ODI cricket doesn’t have the option of an Impact Player like IPL. Body takes time to heal when you are so close to turning 40,” the source added.

Selectors Looking At Backup Opening Options

With uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s long-term fitness, the selectors are reportedly exploring backup opening options ahead of the World Cup.

Yashasvi Jaiswal remains part of India’s future plans, but the management reportedly feels he has not yet received enough ODI opportunities. Ishan Kishan’s return to the setup is also being viewed as an attempt to strengthen the backup opening department.

“There aren’t many ODIs before the World Cup. As it is Jaiswal hasn’t got enough game time. Ishan (Kishan) has been picked so that he can double up as an opener. But if Rohit fails to make it to the World Cup and either Shubman Gill or Jaiswal gets injured, there needs to be another opener ready,” the source said.

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