Simon Doull, a former New Zealand pacer, questioned whether Rohit Sharma really had the 'hunger' for the 2027 World Cup after the disappointing series against New Zealand on Sunday, January 19. Rohit handled a lean run in the series, in which India lost 1-2, by managing 61 runs at 20.33, with 26 as his top score. It is noticeable that this was the first time he went through an entire series without scoring a fifty, a century, or three half-centuries against Australia and South Africa since his international comeback in September. The last time he did not score a fifty was in three matches in an ODI in 2021. Doull on the series broadcast said: “I feel with Rohit, he’s always had something to chase, as in a goal in mind, whether it be a T20 World Cup, whether it be a 50-over World Cup." He added: “I just wonder, the 27 World Cup in South Africa, is that too far away? Does he have that real hunger?" He also added: “That’s the key, isn’t it? That’s the right word. How hungry you are. It’s the hunger. It’s the desire. Especially when you achieve the most things in the game." Rohit is going to be 40 by the time the 2027 World Cup starts in Africa. Very few players of that age have succeeded at the biggest stage, but Sharma seems determined. Doull is also concerned about the inadequate practice Rohit might have till India's next ODI Series, which is in July away against England. Many other players will be occupied with playing the 2026 T20 World Cup or the domestic Ranji Trophy. Rohit will be next seen in March for the 2026 IPL season. “The last little while and coming up for the next two weeks, we’re building up to a T20 World Cup. So there’s very little one-day cricket played in the last four months and in the next three or four months. When you’re only playing one format, you don’t get huge amounts of opportunities."