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Rohit Sharma Confirms He Will Continue Playing ODIs After Champions Trophy 2025 Win
After leading India to an undefeated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory, Rohit Sharma has shut down retirement rumors, confirming that he will continue playing One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India. Speculations regarding his future had been making rounds for months, with many assuming that the final against New Zealand on March 9, 2025, would be his last game in blue. However, in a dramatic press conference moment, Rohit addressed the media before leaving, ensuring that there were no misconceptions about his future.
“One more thing. I am not going to retire from this format. Just to make sure there are no rumours spread moving forward. Thank you so much,” Rohit declared before exiting the press room, putting an end to all speculation.
Why Were There Speculations About Rohit’s Retirement?
The 38-year-old Indian captain has been at the center of retirement rumors for several months. The buzz began during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, when Rohit dropped himself from the Playing XI for the Sydney Test, raising eyebrows about his future in international cricket. Reports suggested that he was considering retirement after the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, but those rumors never materialized.
Following India’s heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, many believed that Rohit’s time in ODIs was nearing an end. However, in just nine months, he led India to two major ICC trophies—the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025—cementing his legacy as one of India’s most successful captains.
Rohit Sharma on India’s Historic Champions Trophy 2025 Win
Speaking about India’s remarkable Champions Trophy campaign, Rohit expressed his pride in the team’s achievement:
“Winning two ICC trophies is a big achievement. Going undefeated is icing on the cake. I have seen very few teams who have won two tournaments undefeated. It was important for us to come here and prepare well. We utilised the conditions well.”
This victory means that India now holds two of the four ICC trophies, further cementing their dominance in world cricket.
What’s Next for Rohit Sharma? Will He Play the 2027 ODI World Cup?
While Rohit has confirmed his immediate commitment to ODIs, the big question remains: Will he play in the 2027 Cricket World Cup?
- Age Factor: Rohit Sharma will be 40 years old by the time the 2027 ODI World Cup takes place in South Africa. While he remains one of the best openers in world cricket, age and fitness will play a key role in his future.
- Captaincy Transition: While Rohit may continue as a player, there is a strong possibility that he could step down as captain before the next ODI World Cup. If that happens, Shubman Gill, his current deputy, could be groomed as India’s next ODI captain.
- Focus on ICC Events: Rohit has already achieved what only MS Dhoni had done before him—winning multiple ICC trophies as captain. However, with the T20 World Cup 2026 coming up, it remains to be seen whether he will lead the team in that event as well.
Many cricket experts believe that Rohit might choose to play selective ODIs leading up to the 2027 World Cup but not as India’s full-time captain.
Rohit Sharma’s Legacy as India’s Captain
With two ICC trophies in just nine months, Rohit Sharma has outpaced MS Dhoni in terms of rapid success.
- 2024 T20 World Cup Champion – Led India to T20 glory, breaking an 11-year ICC trophy drought.
- 2025 Champions Trophy Winner – Guided India to an undefeated campaign, securing a dominant title win.
- 2023 ODI World Cup Finalist – Came close to clinching the biggest prize, but fell short against Australia.
Had India won the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Rohit would have been the only captain in history to win all three major ICC white-ball trophies within two years.
Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead for Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma’s confirmation that he will not retire from ODIs is great news for Indian cricket, ensuring that his leadership and batting prowess remain available for the near future.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa on the horizon, fans will eagerly watch how India’s leadership transition unfolds and whether Rohit plays a crucial role in the team’s journey.
For now, India celebrates their latest ICC triumph, and Rohit Sharma continues to write his incredible legacy in international cricket.
