India ODI captain Rohit Sharma has given his fans a reason to rejoice by announcing his intention to play for India in the 2027 ODI World Cup after retiring from Test cricket.
The 38-year-old, speaking to journalist Vimal Kumar, said that he wants to play the upcoming ODI World Cup, highlighting his commitment to continue in the 50-over format despite stepping away from Tests.
Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement followed his decision to hang up his boots from the T20Is, which came after India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados, where he led the team to a thrilling victory over South Africa. That win marked a high point in his captaincy.
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With Rohit now retired from both T20I and Test formats, fans wonder if he would want to stay till the upcoming ODI World Cup. Putting an end to this speculation, he said:
"Zehem mein bilkul hai (on playing ODI World Cup 2027). Bilkul [It’s definitely on my mind. Absolutely]," Rohit said as quoted.
"Acha rahega agar aisa hua to (on adding the ODI World Cup to his cabinet) [It would be great if that happens]," he added.
Rohit expressed his hunger to lift the ODI World Cup trophy, the one major title missing from his cabinet. With 11,168 runs in 273 ODIs at an average of 48.76, including 32 centuries, Rohit remains a cornerstone of India’s ODI set-up. His leadership in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India clinched the title in Dubai, further cements his credentials.
Also read: Rohit Sharma Captaincy Record in All Formats: T20I, ODI & Test
Rohit Sharma Bids Adieu to Test Cricket
Rohit confirmed his Test retirement on May 7 via an emotional Instagram post, ending a 12-year career in the format with 4,301 runs in 67 matches, including 12 centuries. His decision followed a tough 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he averaged only 6.20 in five innings and opted out of the fifth Test in Sydney.
"Hello everyone I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years," Rohit posted on Instagram.
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As India gears up for the 2027 World Cup, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Rohit is focused on building a formidable team that could help him achieve his dream of lifting the ODI World Cup trophy.
Also read: IPL 2025: "Nothing decided as of now MS Dhoni responds to Retirement Buzz
