India need Rohit Sharma in every one-dayer in the build up to World Cup: Ajit Agarkar

Former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar believes India needs Rohit Sharma to play in every one-dayer in the build-up to the World Cup. Rohit recently led India to 2-1 Test series win against Australia but he would miss the first ODI against the visitors due to personal reasons.

Hardik Pandya will lead in Rohit’s absence in the first game of the series. With the handful of ODIs remaining before the World Cup, it is imperative that Rohit plays all of them.

Rohit also missed a few matches after he suffered a finger injury on the tour to Bangladesh in 2022.

Meanwhile, Rohit has been a consistent performer at the top of the order in ODI cricket and he would want to be at his best before the ODI showpiece.

“His record speaks for itself. You do not need to say anything about Rohit’s performance in white ball cricket. He has taken a slightly different approach at times, trying to be the aggressor at the top of the order. Maybe he changed it a little bit in the last series, giving himself a little more time and got the hundred,” Agarkar said on Star Sports’ Game Plan.

“I just hope he plays every game that India plays from now on, every one-day, because you want your captain out there to just have a pattern of play. He is missing the first one due to personal reasons. From thereon, you will not have enough one-days to formulate your plans. You want Rohit out there, as physically demanding as it can be for the captain, you want him not to miss any games. With regards to his batting, I do not think there are any issues.”

Rohit has amassed 9782 runs in 241 ODI matches at an average of 48.91. The right-hander also scored a majestic knock of 120 runs in the first Test match against Australia at Nagpur.

The first ODI between India and Australia will be played at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Friday.