BCCI selector asks Rohit Sharma to forgive him for 2011 ODI World Cup mistake: 'I feel bad for him even today'

Former India selector Kris Srikkanth has opened up about one of the most debated selection calls in Indian cricket history, admitting that he still feels bad about leaving out Rohit Sharma from the 2011 ODI World Cup squad.

India’s triumph in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup remains one of the most iconic moments in the country’s sporting history. Led by MS Dhoni, the team ended a 28-year wait for the title and became the first side to win a World Cup on home soil.

However, Rohit Sharma’s omission soon became one of the biggest talking points from that tournament, with the former India captain himself admitting his regret over not playing.

Srikkanth apologises to Rohit

Speaking in an interview, Srikkanth revealed that the decision was not about Rohit’s ability but rather about team balance. He explained that the selectors wanted players who could contribute in multiple areas, following a strategy similar to India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team.

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"I feel bad for him even today. I told Rohit last year, I am sorry, I am sorry. It was not by purpose, but it was just that we wanted to take those half all-rounders. Our thought process was similar to that of the 1983 World Cup," Srikkanth said in an interview with The Week.

This strategy eventually worked in India’s favour. All-rounders played a huge role in the team’s success, especially Yuvraj Singh, who delivered a remarkable performance with both bat and ball. Yuvraj scored 362 runs and picked up 15 wickets, earning the Player of the Tournament award.

"And at the end of the day, who was the Player of the Tournament? Yuvraj Singh, with the ball and bat. In some matches, Sehwag, Sachin and Suresh Raina would have bowled a few overs. Even Yusuf Pathan is a half all-rounder. So in all these things, unfortunately, what happened, this half all-rounder concept, Rohit Sharma, the poor fellow, could not find a place. He was actually good enough to play in the 2011 World Cup, but poor boy missed out," Srikkanth added.

Despite missing out in 2011, Rohit went on to become one of India’s greatest white-ball batters. Before the ODI World Cup snub, he had already played many matches for India and was also part of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, which the Men in Blue won. He went on to become a regular opener for India in ODIs after Sachin Tendulkar retired and scored three double centuries.

Rohit also led the Indian team to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, but unfortunately couldn’t lift the title. He will be hoping to represent the country in the 2027 edition and fulfil his only remaining dream of winning the ODI World Cup.