Rohit Sharma’s future, ODI road map to the 2027 World Cup and recent setbacks on the agenda at BCCI meeting | Cricket news

On the BCCI’s agenda: Rohit’s future, WC’s roadmap and India’s recent past (agency photos)

Mumbai/New Delhi: Rohit Sharma’s future and the shape of the Indian ODI team for the upcoming World Cup cycle are set to dominate discussions when BCCI’s top brass meet in Mumbai on Thursday for a wide-ranging performance review.While recent defeats in Ireland, England and Sri Lanka will be assessed, board officials are understood to be more concerned about the lack of a clearly defined ODI roadmap at a time when preparations for the 2027 World Cup must take shape.BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, President Mithun Manhas, Head Coach Gautam Gambhirhead of the team Ajit Agarkar Center of Excellence Chairman VVS Laxman will attend the meeting along with the ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer is also expected to be present.At the heart of the discussions lies the most sensitive issue facing Indian cricket: Rohit’s future. Although there is great respect for the stature and achievements of the veteran opener, selectors and team management members are increasingly aware of the need to prepare for the post-Rohit era.According to sources, one option under consideration is to evaluate Rohit’s role on a series-by-series basis rather than sticking to a long-term plan over the entire World Cup cycle.“It is very difficult for a young captain like Shubman Gill when there is no clear direction. The ODI dressing room was not the best, especially when it comes to dealing with the stronger players,” said a source in the ODI dressing room.The uncertainty surrounding Rohit reflects broader anxiety. Of the three national teams in India, the ODI team is the least stable. Injuries and workload management have prevented selectors from identifying a stable core, leaving several key positions unresolved.The role of a fast bowler remains a particular headache. Hardik Pandya continues with a managed workload program after recurring fitness issues, while Nitish Kumar Reddy is yet to get the full clearance after rehabilitation.“Hardik, for now, has been cleared to bowl six overs a day. Reddy is still passing fitness tests. The ODI squad does not have even half of the ODI squad ready. It should be a joint effort between the Center of Excellence and the team management to focus on the players and formulate a roadmap to get them all into the park as soon as possible,” the source said.The review was initially planned after the Ireland and England tours but was postponed due to the subsequent Sri Lanka assignment. He will now cover India’s performances across multiple tours, including Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.India’s 2-0 defeat in the T20I series in Ireland and the 4-0 defeat in England raised alarm bells, with the 125-run loss in Nottingham seen internally as one of the team’s weakest performances in recent years. Gill’s ODI team also lost the England series 2-1.However, officials insist that the exercise will focus on solutions rather than assigning blame, with a particular focus on recurring issues in preparation, selection and implementation.Fitness management is expected to be another major discussion point. Jasprit Bumrah missed the tour of Sri Lanka after aggravating a knee problem, while Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana remain in line for a fitness assessment at the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru on September 9.With a Test tour of New Zealand scheduled for November and a busy calendar coming up, the board wants tighter coordination between the medical staff, strength and conditioning team and national selectors to ensure greater player availability.

New role for Laxman

The meeting can also have significant administrative consequences. Laxman is being considered for an expanded role, with discussions ongoing over a potential director of cricket position overseeing coaching, selection and player development pathways. Agarkar’s term as chief selector, which expires later this month, will also be subject to review, with a one-year extension among the options being discussed.

The Chairman’s XI could return against visiting teams

Meanwhile, the BCCI is also considering the possibility of reviving the traditional Chairman’s match before the home series, following a recommendation from Manhas. The match, which has historically featured leading domestic performers and Test candidates against visiting teams, has often served as a springboard for future India players while providing valuable match preparation for touring teams.