‘So that’s how Rohit got left out’ – Former India chief selector reveals why MS Dhoni didn’t want Rohit Sharma in India’s squad for 2011 ODI World Cup

Former Indian legendary cricketer MS Dhoni led the Indian team to its 2nd ODI World Cup title in 2011. 2 years later, he helped the Indian team to win the Champions Trophy as well. He also won the 2007 T20 World Cup and these 3 titles made him one of the most successful captains ever in the history of the game.

Dhoni was very thoughtful when it comes to the selection of the team. He wasn’t a fan of making too many changes in the squad for any tournament. Meanwhile, former India chief selector Raja Venkat recently made a shocking revelation about Dhoni and said that he didn’t want Rohit Sharma in the squad for the ODI World Cup and insisted the management to include Piyush Chawla in place of him.

“When we sat to select the team, Rohit was very much in the scheme of things. So when we were selecting the team, from 1-14, everything was accepted. [For] No. 15, we suggested the name of Rohit Sharma. Gary Kirsten felt it was a perfect selection but again, the captain wanted a change there. He wanted Piyush Chawla instead of Rohit Sharma. So immediately Gary Kirsten somersaulted and he said, ‘No, I think that’s the better choice.’ So that’s how Rohit Sharma got left out.” Venkat was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

we were also disappointed we couldn’t select Rohit: Raja Venkat

Rohit’s exclusion from the squad for the 2011 ODI World Cup was quite shocking for Indian fans. The right-hander was also disappointed after his snub from the tournament. Rohit himself once revealed that he didn’t even watch the tournament. Venkat further added and said that they didn’t get a chance to talk to Rohit, however, they were also disappointed for not selecting Rohit.

“No, we didn’t get a chance to talk to him but we were also disappointed we couldn’t select him. We selected the 14 which was unanimous and the 15th one when the captain and coach wanted it so we thought to let them have it the way they want,” he added.