BCCI backs Rohit Sharma's ODI future, rules out director of cricket role
Synopsis
The BCCI has gone on record to defend Rohit Sharma's ODI place and shut down talk of a director of cricket role — but the very fact that such clarifications were needed signals how much uncertainty surrounds Indian cricket's leadership structure ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Key Takeaways
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed on 3 September that Rohit Sharma's ODI place is secure, citing his recent form including a score of 138-148 runs .
A high-level review meeting in Mumbai was attended by captains Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill , coach Gautam Gambhir , and CoE head VVS Laxman .
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar could not attend due to short notice and being out of station.
India's T20I and ODI series losses in England and Ireland were central to the review; India won tours of Zimbabwe (3-0) and Sri Lanka (1-0) .
Saikia ruled out any discussion on a director of cricket role or changes to the senior selection committee .
The board's stated ultimate goal is a strong performance at the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup .
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday, 3 September firmly dismissed speculation over veteran opener Rohit Sharma's place in India's ODI setup, stating his form remains exemplary following a high-level performance review meeting at the board's headquarters in Mumbai. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia made clear that Rohit's position is not under threat and cautioned against fuelling unfounded rumours.
What the Review Meeting Covered
The meeting brought together T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman. On the administrative side, BCCI President Mithun Manhas, Secretary Saikia, Joint Secretary Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, and interim CEO Hemang Amin were also present.
Notably, chief selector Ajit Agarkar could not attend due to short notice and connectivity constraints while travelling outside Mumbai. Saikia confirmed this was a routine strategic meeting — not a selection committee sitting.
Saikia Defends Rohit, Dismisses Speculation
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Saikia was pointed in his defence of the veteran opener. 'He is playing superbly in all matches. So what more do you want? In the last match, he scored 138-148 runs. So why is there a speculation? So, I do not want to give fodder for the speculators,' Saikia said.
The secretary also shut down reports of a potential director of cricket role being created for the men's setup, as well as talk of changes to the senior selection committee or Agarkar's tenure. 'There was no such discussion on this in today's meeting. I do not comment on new rumours. We did not have any such discussions, nor did we have such intentions,' he stated.
England and Ireland Setbacks Under the Lens
The review meeting — originally scheduled for July but delayed due to India's T20I tour of Zimbabwe and Test tour of Sri Lanka — centred heavily on diagnosing India's recent overseas struggles. India lost their T20I series in England and Ireland and suffered a 2-1 ODI series defeat to England. The Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka tours, where India won 3-0 and 1-0 respectively, provided some restoration of confidence.
'Yes, we did not do well; you all know that we lost matches in Ireland and also in England in those T20Is and ODIs; we lost by 2-1. So we wanted to know what the reasons were, and we have to do certain soul-searching about that,' Saikia acknowledged.
Roadmap to the 2027 ODI World Cup
With the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup firmly in view, the board has charted a demanding schedule for the senior men's side. Upcoming commitments include T20Is against Afghanistan, white-ball games against the West Indies, an Asian Games T20 trip in Japan, a multi-format tour of New Zealand, ODIs against Zimbabwe, and the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at home.
Saikia confirmed that specific decisions on team selection and format combinations will rest with the selectors when they convene for the upcoming West Indies and New Zealand series. 'For that, selectors will take a call,' he said, underlining the clear demarcation between strategic planning and selection authority.
Point of View
Noting this was not a selection meeting and that selectors will decide team combinations, leaves the door technically open. The dismissal of a director of cricket role is notable: such a position would have created an additional layer of accountability above the head coach, and its rejection suggests the current power structure is not keen on external oversight. With losses in England and Ireland still unaddressed at the playing level, the board's 'roadmap' language will be tested quickly against a punishing schedule.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rohit Sharma's place in India's ODI team under threat?
No. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed on 3 September that Rohit Sharma's ODI spot is secure, pointing to his recent form and a score of 138-148 runs in his last match as evidence. Saikia urged against feeding speculation.
What was discussed at the BCCI review meeting on 3 September?
The meeting reviewed India's T20I and ODI series losses in England and Ireland, as well as the successful tours of Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. Officials also mapped out a strategic roadmap for the senior men's side ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Why did chief selector Ajit Agarkar miss the BCCI review meeting?
Agarkar could not attend because the meeting was called at short notice while he was travelling outside Mumbai, and connectivity issues prevented him from joining online. Saikia confirmed this was not a selection committee meeting.
Has the BCCI decided to appoint a director of cricket for the men's team?
No. Saikia explicitly dismissed reports of a director of cricket role being created, stating there was no such discussion in the meeting and no such intention on the board's part.
What is India's upcoming schedule ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup?
India are set to play T20Is against Afghanistan, white-ball games against the West Indies, an Asian Games T20 trip in Japan, a multi-format tour of New Zealand, ODIs against Zimbabwe, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at home before the 2027 World Cup.
