'Why Is There Speculation?’: BCCI Secretary Clears Air on Rohit Sharma Amid 2027 World Cup Future (WATCH)

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed Rohit Sharma’s ODI retirement rumours after the review meeting, backing his recent form and 138-run century. His remarks have sparked mixed reactions over Rohit’s place in India’s 2027 World Cup plans.

The BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia, cleared the air on Rohit Sharma’s ODI future following the review meeting at the board’s headquarters in Mumbai on Thursday, September 3. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held a review meeting, focused partly on the ODI roadmap towards the 2027 World Cup, with Rohit’s future among the key talking points.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill, and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer were among those who attended the crucial meeting, which also featured BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman. The chief selector Ajit Agarkar reportedly didn’t attend the meeting either virtually or in person.

The review meeting reportedly discussed India’s recent performances, including the team’s disappointing results on overseas tours, injury management, and the roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Saikia Cleared the Air on Rohit’s Future

Ahead of the BCCI review meeting, reports emerged that former India captain Rohit Sharma ‘agreed’ to retire following the Lord’s ODI after he was ‘angry’ upon being informed that the selection committee had decided to move on from him. According to a report by PTI, the message was conveyed to Rohit by a member of the selection committee and not Ajit Agarkar.

Following the BCCI review meeting, the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the reporters outside the BCCI headquarters, firmly putting those retirement rumors to rest. He offered an impassioned defense of the star opener's current form, stating that his stellar displays on the pitch speak for themselves and leave no room for doubt about his place in the squad.

“He is playing superbly in all matches. What more do you want? In the last match, he scored 130-140 runs. So why is there speculation? I do not want to give fodder to the speculators.” Saikia said.

VIDEO | Mumbai: “No difficulties expected in Japan; Rohit playing superbly,” says BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia (@lonsaikia), amid speculation that Rohit Sharma could be dropped from the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. 

(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/kWeU64ZjXq

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 3, 2026

In the ODI series against England in July this year. Rohit Sharma’s form came under scrutiny after he registered scores of 11 and 26 in the first two outings before silencing the critics with a brilliant knock of 138 off 110 balls in the third ODI at Lord’s.

It was speculated that Lord’s outing was his final appearance in international cricket, but that stunning century has completely rewritten the script, ensuring the veteran opener remains a vital pillar as India builds toward future global glory.

Rohit Sharma Fans Rejoice After Saikia’s Strong Defence

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia’s defence of Rohit Sharma’s ODI future has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts divided over whether the veteran batter should feature in India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.

Taking to their X handles, many, particularly Rohit Sharma fans, welcomed Saikia’s comments and expressed their desire to see the veteran opener play at the 2027 World Cup. One fan said Rohit’s current form was ‘absolute gold ', while another insisted that his experience could be crucial during a long World Cup campaign.

However, others remained sceptical about the former India captain’s prospects of making the 2027 ODI World Cup, with one user arguing that ‘one good innings in 10 matches’ does not mean the veteran batter is still world-class, while some questioned why India should retain a player who will be 40 during the tournament when the country has plenty of young batting talent waiting in the wings.

When the BCCI Secretary himself validates what every Hitman fan already knows! 🐐🔥 Rohit Sharma's form is absolute gold right now.

— pullshot fortyfive. (@Imyashhhh45) September 3, 2026

Hitman should be in the WC2027 squad. 
Team India needs his experience. Even if he doesn’t play a single match, his presence in the dressing room will help a lot.
World Cup is a long tournament - more than 2 openers is a must.

— RealVsMyth (@realvsmyth) September 3, 2026

How can he go when he has been proving himself right from the start, since the questions have been kept throwing at him

— Raj28 (@CricTalk29) September 3, 2026

The best Good news I've heard recently.

— CHETAN™ (@MalusareChetanS) September 3, 2026

Devajit Saikia is definately the best BCCI official. He always stood up for Rohit even in the most difficult time he gave relief to Rohit Fans. Kudos to @lonsaikia 🙌 https://t.co/sCBAFJVAx8

— The Incorrigible Indian (@RSS45264) September 3, 2026

Rohit Sharma has already made it very clear to everyone. He has no intention of retiring until the 2027 WC and if India doesn't win the 2027 WC he will play on for one more WC and end his ODI career in the 2031 WC. He's not going to retire unless and until the WC trophy is not in… https://t.co/buV7JSrlow

— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) September 3, 2026

This whole Rohit saga seems illogical. By all accounts there was a meeting 1.5 years before the WC where he was told he isn't in the plans. How do you go from that to instantly doing a U-turn based solely on a single innings? Seems like bowing to public pressure. https://t.co/SbtggeTRAA

— Harsh (@voldemortscore) September 3, 2026

One good inning in 10 matches doesn't mean Rohit Sharma is still world class.

— Sushant Kumar (@sushantkumar67) September 3, 2026

It's a shame that in a country like India where there's so much talent in cricket.....we still can't drop a guy who is going to be 41 in the next year's WC.

— kuldeep singh (@ksnaruka99) September 3, 2026

Mission World Cup 2027 is ON for Rohit Sharma. We’re coming for the unfinished business. pic.twitter.com/6VvHUuJp1C

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) September 3, 2026

Don't trust any BCCI official because they say one thing and do another.

— Rajvir (@Rajvir1881) September 3, 2026

My feeling right now is that Rohit is moving forward 🤫

— Be Humble 27 (@ShoaibAkht8771) September 3, 2026

Rohit Sharma will return to action for the ODI series against West Indies at home, with the opening match taking place at Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuran on September 27.