"MS Dhoni didn't want Rohit Sharma": Former Indian selector drops a bombshell on 2011 World Cup selection.

MS Dhoni wanted a particular player in India’s squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011.

The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup stands as a monumental event etched in gold for India. Amidst the glory and triumph, there remained an untold story of a young cricketer whose fate took an unexpected twist. The omission of Rohit Sharma. Rohit, who was once left out of the World Cup squad, a decision that shocked many, 12 years later, he stands as the captain of the Indian team.

Back in 2011, Rohit Sharma was a 24-year-old young cricketer. His early ODI career had been average, with modest numbers to show for his efforts. He had scored just 1248 runs in 57 innings at an average of a little over 21.

Recently former Indian selector Raja Venkat, who was a key member of the BCCI selection panel led by Kris Srikkanth, brought to light a hidden truth. Venkat disclosed that Rohit Sharma’s name was indeed in contention for the 2011 World Cup squad. Astonishingly, Gary Kirsten, coach at the time, advocated passionately for Rohit’s inclusion, viewing him as a strategic asset. However, then-captain, MS Dhoni, didn’t agree to this decision, which led to Rohit Sharma being sidelined from the 2011 World Cup squad.

‘Rohit was very much in the scheme of things,’ Venkat on Rohit’s selection

Venkat revealed, the dramatic shift in course that transpired behind closed doors.

“When we sat down to select the team, Rohit was very much in the scheme of things. Yashpal Sharma and I were in South Africa at that time because India was touring South Africa, and the other three selectors, Srikkanth, Surendra Bhave, and Narendra Hirwani, were in Chennai. So, when we were selecting the team, numbers 1–14, every name was accepted by the panel. No. 15, we suggested the name Rohit Sharma. Gary Kirsten also felt it was a perfect selection. But the captain wanted Piyush Chawla. So immediately, Kirsten somersaulted. He said, ‘I think that’s a better choice.’ So, that is how Rohit Sharma got left out.” Venkat told RevSportz

He further elaborated on the unanimous consensus that led to the choice. The insight into the behind-the-scenes discussions offers a glimpse into the weight of the captain’s and coach’s preferences in shaping the team’s destiny.

“We didn’t get a chance to talk to him, but again we were also disappointed that we couldn’t select him. But when the captain and coach wanted Piyush as the 15th member, we all accepted it. Initially we had selected the 15 which we all felt was the right one. Unfortunately, we had to make one change, and we had to give it to the captain and the coach,” added Venkat.

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