has said Rohit Sharma
remains "irreplaceable" in India's ODI side as long as he is fit, available and continues to score runs in the build-up to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Questions over Rohit's future grew during India's tour of England. Ahead of the third ODI at Lord's, there was speculation that the series decider could be his last international appearance after he had already retired from T20Is and Tests. However, Rohit responded with a 138-run knock during India's chase of 388, ending doubts over his form.
Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, Chopra said India's ODI plans should continue to revolve around the experienced opener.
"As long as Rohit Sharma is fit, available, and scoring runs, he remains irreplaceable. We are talking about sheer pedigree and legacy here. You do not need to look anywhere else in ODI cricket right now. We should not forget that the next World Cup is in South Africa, where conditions demand experienced heads who have been there, done that, and delivered under pressure," he said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
Chopra also backed India's current opening combination of Rohit and ODI captain Shubman Gill, saying there is no reason to make changes.
"Right now, the opening pairing with Shubman Gill is working seamlessly, so why tinker with something that isn't broken? Often, when you have an abundance of options, there's a temptation to try something new just for the sake of it. But no matter how tempting those alternatives look, do not distract yourself. Keep the focus entirely on the World Cup, and as long as Rohit is here, Rohit stays," he said.
Rohit finished the England ODI series with 175 runs in three matches at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 98.31. His highlight was a 138-run innings from 110 balls, including 17 fours and five sixes, during India's chase of 388 in the third ODI. India lost the match by 27 runs and the series 2-1, but Rohit's century stand with Virat Kohli
, who scored 74 off 60 balls with four fours and three sixes, was one of the positives.
Overall, Rohit has scored 11,895 runs in 288 ODIs and 280 innings at an average of 48.95 and a strike rate of 93.04. He has 34 centuries, 62 fifties and a highest score of 264. He is the seventh-highest run-scorer in ODI history and India's third-highest after Virat Kohli (14,941) and Sachin Tendulkar (18,426).
In nine ODIs this year, Rohit has scored 379 runs at an average of 42.11, including one century and one fifty, with a highest score of 138.
Rohit and Kohli are next expected to play in India's home ODI series against the West Indies, scheduled from September 27 to October 3.
