BCCI Sent Clear Message: “Selection Shouldn’t Be About What’s Best For Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma”
Former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has raised questions over the continued selection of veteran opener Rohit Sharma, arguing that team decisions should be based on the long-term interests of Indian cricket rather than the stature of individual players.
The BCCI selectors have once again backed Rohit for India’s upcoming ODI series against England, despite growing calls for younger players to be given extended opportunities. While acknowledging Rohit’s experience and proven record, Manjrekar expressed sympathy for young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has impressed whenever given a chance in the 50-over format.
Jaiswal has scored two centuries in his last three ODI appearances, including an unbeaten 110 against Afghanistan. He had earlier struck 116 not out against South Africa, making a strong case for a regular place in the side.
Speaking to TOI, Manjrekar said it was unfortunate that such performances had not translated into a longer run in the team.
“Yashasvi has made the most of the opportunities he has received. To score two hundreds in your last three ODIs and still not get a consistent run is a bit harsh,” he said.
Manjrekar added that if selectors continue to back Rohit, it should be because they genuinely see him playing a role in India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The former batter also addressed what he described as Indian cricket’s long-standing challenge of dealing with high-profile players.
“We all know the culture around big-name cricketers. Selection decisions are rarely judged on cricketing merit alone. If Rohit is being picked because he is part of the future plans, then that should be stated clearly. But if he is being selected simply because the system is reluctant to move on from a senior player, then it reflects a problem Indian cricket has faced for years,” Manjrekar said.
He stressed that selection should never revolve around what is best for stars such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli or Jasprit Bumrah, but rather what is best for Indian cricket as a whole.
Meanwhile, Manjrekar also spoke about 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, expressing confidence that the youngster would learn from recent on-field controversies and continue his development during upcoming tours of England and Ireland.
“He seems like a mature and aware young player. Experiences like these will only help him handle such situations better in the future,” Manjrekar said.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
