Rohit Sharma has won two ICC T20 World Cups, first in 2007 as a squad member and later in 2024 as captain. His international record could also have included the 2011 ODI World Cup, held in India, but he was not selected in the squad by the national selectors at the time.
More than a decade and a half later, one of those involved in that selection process, former India chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth, has said he still feels discomfort over the decision to leave Rohit out of the 2011 World Cup squad. Srikkanth, 66, who led the selection committee during that period, also confirmed that he has since apologised to Rohit Sharma.
In an interview with The Week, Srikkanth stated that the decision was not based on Rohit Sharma’s form or ability. Instead, it was driven by the need to maintain balance within the squad. According to him, the selectors prioritised players who could contribute in both batting and bowling roles, often described as part-time or “half all-rounders”, drawing inspiration from the composition of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team.
He said: “I still feel bad for him. Last year I told Rohit, I am sorry, I am sorry. It was not intentional. We actually wanted to include some half all-rounders. Our thinking was similar to the 1983 World Cup.”
Despite Rohit’s exclusion, India’s 2011 World Cup squad included several players who contributed in multiple disciplines. The approach proved successful as India went on to win the tournament. All-round contributions played a notable role in the campaign, particularly from players such as Yuvraj Singh, who was named Player of the Tournament.
Squad strategy and contributions (2011 World Cup context)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Selection approach | Preference for multi-skilled “half all-rounders” |
| Strategic inspiration | 1983 World Cup-winning team composition |
| Key performer | Yuvraj Singh – 362 runs and 15 wickets |
| Other contributors | Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Virender Sehwag (occasional bowling contributions) |
| Notable omission | Rohit Sharma |
| Selector’s later reflection | Decision not based on ability or form |
Srikkanth further explained that the inclusion of multi-dimensional players such as Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Yusuf Pathan allowed the team flexibility. He highlighted Yuvraj’s all-round performance, noting his combined batting and bowling contributions as central to the tournament outcome. He also pointed out that several senior players, including Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar, contributed occasional overs, reinforcing the strategy of utilising batting depth alongside supplementary bowling options.
Following his exclusion in 2011, Rohit Sharma went on to establish himself as one of India’s leading limited-overs batsmen. After becoming a regular opener following Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement, he achieved a record of three double centuries in One Day Internationals, the highest by any player in the format.
Rohit later captained India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they finished as runners-up to Australia. He has since retired from Test and T20 international cricket but continues to represent India in One Day Internationals.