“Rohit Sharma becomes a bit vulnerable” - Matthew Hayden opens up on Rohit’s potential participation at the ICC ODI World Cup 2027

Former Australian opening batter and commentator Matthew Hayden has opened up on Rohit Sharma’s potential participation at the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar, Hayden asserted that it was an interesting move from the selection committee to axe Rohit as a captain after the successful campaign at the ICC Champions Trophy in March 2025.

“Rohit being axed as captain was an interesting move from afar. After such a great win in the Champions Trophy, I suppose the selectors are purely looking at the numbers. At 38, with a couple of years to go before the World Cup, he becomes a bit vulnerable purely because of his age,” Hayden said on JioHotstar.

“The talent and class are always on display, and so is that magnificent body of work, not only in terms of his own performances, but also India's success as a team. Very similar to the Virat and Dhoni eras, lots of success,” he added.

Furthermore, Hayden also felt that Shubman Gill will have enough time to learn the leadership skills from the greats of the game like Rohit Sharma before the latter bids adieu to international cricket. 

“But I guess it's a bit of an insurance policy to bring on Shubman Gill, ensure he's in-charge across all formats, and particularly help him learn leadership while Rohit Sharma is still in the dressing room. It would just be a bonus if Rohit makes it to the next World Cup,” he observed. 

“Everyone is very excited to see them Down Under, and I expect them to be at their very best. Thirteen thousand runs for Virat, Rohit averaging nearly 50 in one-day cricket across 273 matches, it's an exciting prospect,” he noted.

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