Dinesh Lad, the formative coach of former India captain Rohit Sharma, has strongly backed the veteran opener amidst criticism over his fitness and recent form. Lad believes Rohit should ignore the naysayers and focus on enjoying his game, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon.
Lad Defends Rohit's Form and Fitness
Speaking to PTI Videos, Lad stated, "Being a coach, I don't think he needs to prove anything to anyone. He badly wants to win the ODI World Cup. I have spoken to him and he is very categoric with what he wants in his career. I don't think he needs to prove his fitness. Despite the age factor, he is still fit enough."
Rohit has faced a dip in his recent ODI form, managing just 61 runs across three innings during his last ODI appearance against New Zealand. This slump sparked scrutiny among critics, but Lad dismissed the concerns, emphasizing Rohit's unmatched technique and experience.
Critics Are Just Doing Their Job
"Critics keep talking. It's their job. India needs Rohit's experience if we want to reach the finals. Technique wise there is no problem. Moreover, in 50 overs cricket, you need to settle a bit. Rohit has got such technique that allows you to settle and then launch yourself. In IPL also, he showed his technique and he wasn't only playing big shots but also taking the singles and the doubles. I don't understand the critics' point of view. My view is that he must be in the team," Lad added.
Lad Takes Dig at Former Selector Saba Karim
Lad also took a swipe at former India selector Saba Karim, who had suggested that Rohit would have to "do a lot of heavy lifting" and prove both his fitness and batting form to remain in the selectors' plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Lad questioned why only Rohit is under the microscope, saying, "Why are the next six months crucial only for Rohit? It's crucial for all players. Everyone needs to play well to retain their place in the team."
Lad confidently asserted, "I have a 100 per cent guarantee that Rohit will definitely play the 50 overs World Cup in 2027. He will do well during these six months and the later months as well. If you give him an opportunity he will do well."
Rohit's ODI Record Speaks for Itself
Highlighting Rohit's stellar ODI career, Lad noted, "I don't think Rohit needs to prove anything to anyone. He has retired from Tests and T20Is, not ODI. And in whatever ODI matches he had played last, he did well. I don't think there is any pressure on him. He has scored ODI double century thrice (no other Indian has done it even twice). His ODI records are impeccable. In the 2019 World Cup he scored a record five centuries."
Motivation to Win the ODI World Cup
Lad revealed that Rohit's determination to win an ODI World Cup has kept him motivated to continue playing the format. "He knows that if he has to play there should be a reason. The reason is to win the ODI World Cup. He wants to win that for India at any cost. I am sure he will retire only after that. Forget age factor or strain in legs or injuries, when he wants to play, he will and he will play very well."
Lad also dismissed the notion that Rohit is taking it easy after retiring from other formats. "Rohit not playing any other format does not mean he is having free time and enjoying life. He is practicing every day and working constantly on his fitness. Don't worry he is preparing himself hard for the World Cup," Lad said.
Advice for Rohit
When asked what advice he would give Rohit as he enters a crucial phase, Lad said, "Rohit should stay on the wicket and once he settles down he is a dangerous player. I would like to remind him of how he played in the 2019 World Cup. He should play like that again."
Lad concluded with a vote of confidence: "You will get the best of Rohit even after he comes out of sleep. Technique, temperament, fitness all are fine. I think he will be 100 percent ready before the World Cup. He should play domestic 50 overs matches. Criticism will come, but Rohit should ignore it. He should enjoy playing."
