Rohit Sharma’s dream of playing the World Cup 2027 could well be a long shot with the BCCI planning a transition in ODIs. Sharma retired from T20Is after the T20 World Cup last year and did the same in Tests before the India vs England series. The Hit-Man has eyes on the prize in South Africa but might not be afforded that opportunity.
BCCI prepares for ODI transition, Rohit’s ODI future in doubt: Report
As per a Hindustan Times report, BCCI expected Rohit Sharma to retire from all forms of cricket when he quit Test cricket. However, the 38-year-old surprised one and all with his decision to continue in ODIs, with an eye on the World Cup 2027. Rohit admirably led the Men in Blue to the final in 2023 falling short at the final hurdle. He then led India to wins in the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy 2025.
“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 had said after India defeated New Zealand in the CT 2025 Final. He had reiterated the same in a social media post while announcing his Test retirement.
However, BCCI might not be too keen to let Rohit continue. The HT report states that while there are no discussions in place, chief selector Ajit Agarkar would be entrusted with setting up a leadership transition.
“Quite frankly, a lot of us thought Rohit wanted to move away from the ODI format after winning the Champions Trophy. There have been no discussions between Rohit and the selectors over his ODI future,” a BCCI source told The Hindustan Times.
Shreyas Iyer joins captaincy race
India will play 27 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup. There is enough time for India to pick and groom a successor for the tournament in South Africa. MS Dhoni had picked Virat Kohli as his successor before the 2017 Champions Trophy. Kohli had led the side in the 2019 WC with Dhoni as a player.
Rohit could still feature but the leadership baton could pass to Shreyas Iyer. Sharma saw the same happen at the Mumbai Indians, with Hardik Pandya taking over. In the Indian team, Shreyas Iyer could do the same. The Mumbai batter is the only player to lead 3 IPL teams to the final. He also led Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali title.
“Right now he just plays ODIs but after this IPL we can’t keep him out of T20 internationals and even Tests. Plus, he also has now officially joined the white-ball captaincy race,” a BCCI source told Indian Express.
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