Former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth recently expressed deep regret over excluding Rohit Sharma from the 2011 World Cup squad, admitting, “I feel bad for him even today”. Despite Rohit's obvious talent at the time, Srikkanth explained that the selection committee’s decision was driven by a specific tactical philosophy rather than a lack of faith in Rohit's ability. The selectors prioritized players who could contribute with both bat and ball, similar to the winning formula of the 1983 World Cup.

This focus led them to pick players like Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Suresh Raina, who provided extra bowling options.Srikkanth mentioned that he personally told Rohit, "I'm sorry, boss," and clarified that the snub was never personal but purely tactical.Srikkanth maintained that Rohit was "good enough" to have been in that World Cup-winning side.While Rohit missed out, the strategy proved effective; Yuvraj Singh went on to become the Player of the Tournament for his all-round performance.

“I feel bad for him even today. I told Rohit last year, I'm sorry, boss. It's not by purpose, but it's just that we want to take those half all-rounders. Our thought process was similar to that of the 1983 World Cup. 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 got, poor fellow, he could not find a place. He was actually good enough to play in the 2011 World Cup, but poor boy missed out”, the former player said.

2-hour closed door meeting for 2011 World Cup squad selections

The 2011 Indian World Cup squad was finalised during a high-stakes, two-hour closed-door meeting held in Chennai on 17 January 2011. While the core team was largely settled, the session is famous for intense debates over the final spots, particularly involving Rohit Sharma, Piyush Chawla, and Yuvraj Singh.

Led by Chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth, with selectors Surendra Bhave and Narendra Hirwani present in Chennai.Selectors Raja Venkat and Yashpal Sharma joined via teleconference from South Africa, where the Indian team was touring at the time.