Key Takeaways

• Rohit, along with Virat Kohli, now features only in the 50-over format, having retired from Tests and T20 cricket.
• “About 80 to 90 per cent of the squad has now remained the same since the last T20 World Cup.
• “We were talking about this at home, that it is expected to be strange watching it from home, especially the T20 World Cup.

Key Development 1

NewsSports NewsCricket News'We needed someone…': Rohit Sharma explains why Shreyas Iyer missed T20 World CupTrendingSanju SamsonGautam GambhirIND vs NZ HighlightsHarry BrookDonald TrumpSachin TendulkarAbhishek SharmaBangladesh Cricket TeamT20 World Cup 2026IND vs NZ 1st T20ISanju SamsonGautam GambhirIND vs NZ HighlightsHarry BrookDonald TrumpSachin TendulkarAbhishek SharmaBangladesh Cricket TeamT20 World Cup 2026IND vs NZ 1st T20ISanju SamsonGautam GambhirIND vs NZ HighlightsHarry BrookDonald TrumpSachin TendulkarAbhishek SharmaBangladesh Cricket TeamT20 World Cup 2026IND vs NZ 1st T20I'We needed someone…': Rohit Sharma explains why Shreyas Iyer missed T20 World CupTOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jan 22, 2026, 05:00 ISTCommentsShareAA+Text SizeSmallMediumLarge India's Shreyas Iyer and Rohit Sharma (AP/PTI) Former India captain Rohit Sharma has now admitted that watching the T20 World Cup from the sidelines for the first time in his career is expected to feel “strange”, as he reflected on life away from the format and the difficult decisions that shaped his leadership years.

Rohit, along with Virat Kohli, now features only in the 50-over format, having retired from Tests and T20 cricket.

He pointed to Shreyas Iyer’s omission from the Asia Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia as an example of how team balance often dictated decisions.

“About 80 to 90 per cent of the squad has now remained the same since the last T20 World Cup.

Key Development 2

“We were talking about this at home, that it is expected to be strange watching it from home, especially the T20 World Cup.

That's when you realise you're not going to be part of it.

They have been playing together for almost two years now, which creates strong understanding,” he said, noting that the average age of the group is close to 25.

Shreyas would have felt bad, Deepak would have been happy — that's how it works,” Rohit said, adding that both he and then head coach Rahul Dravid personally spoke to Iyer to explain the call.

Key Development 3

Also check the latest WPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.About the AuthorTOI Sports DeskAt TOI Sports Desk, reporters work around the clock to bring you comprehensive updates from the world of sports.

Rohit stated similar conversations were held with other senior players during his time as captain, including Mohammed Siraj, who missed out on the 2025 Champions Trophy, and Yuzvendra Chahal, who was not selected for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“When you miss a World Cup, the reality really sinks in.

India is expected to begin the defence of their T20 World Cup title against USA on February 7 in Mumbai, with Rohit no longer part of the playing group.Suryakumar Yadav press conference: On India T20I Playing XI, personal form and more Speaking on a JioHotstar show, the 36-year-old stated the reality of missing a global tournament hits far harder than being absent from bilateral series.

Key Development 4

As long as you have a valid reason and you explain it properly, that is fine,” he said.

From the time it started until now, I have been part of every World Cup, so it is expected to feel different,” Rohit said.

He concluded by underlining what matters most at a World Cup.

as per him, taking tough selection calls while maintaining trust within the dressing room was one of the most demanding aspects of the job.

Key Development 5

That’s why we went with Deepak Hooda, who was in good form at the time.

“There have been many such instances of taking hard calls before World Cups.

“We felt we needed someone who could give us a little more with the ball.

Looking ahead to the upcoming T20 World Cup, Rohit expressed confidence in the current Indian squad, highlighting stability and continuity as key strengths.

Key Development 6

“For us, it is important to understand how we can make the best use of the 15 players in the squad.

However, I is expected to be somewhere in the stadium.

“I always wanted an openness to discuss anything, not just cricket but life as well.

For that, you need open conversations and sometimes hard conversations as well.” For Rohit Sharma, the next T20 World Cup is expected to be watched rather than played, but his words offer a rare window into the realities of leadership, sacrifice and transition at the highest level of Indian cricket.Get the latest WPL 2026 updates including WPL teams, full WPL 2026 schedule, and live scores for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals.

Key Development 7

Beyond selection decisions, Rohit stressed that building strong personal bonds was central to his leadership approach.

There are no boundaries; there is always an open door,” Rohit said, adding that humour and mutual respect played a big role in keeping the dressing room relaxed.

You is expected to not be able to please everyone, but it is important for the individual to know why a decision is taken,” he said.

It won't be the same, but it is expected to be a different experience.” Rohit also used the conversation to reflect on his captaincy tenure and the challenges that came with leading India at the highest level.

Key Development 8

He added that the finality of not being involved truly sinks in only during World Cups.

“When you are heading into a World Cup, the only aim is to win it.

He stated creating an open and approachable environment helped players feel secure, even during difficult phases.

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Key Development 9

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