Former India captain Rohit Sharma has made it clear that winning the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa remains his biggest career ambition, firmly dismissing speculation around an imminent retirement from the 50-over format. Conversations are gathering pace about Rohit’s future in ODIs following his modest returns in the recent series against New Zealand, where he accumulated just 61 runs in 3 innings.
Moreover, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century in the third ODI against South Africa has fuelled debate around generational change, but the Indian skipper has underlined his desire to carry on and chase the ultimate prize in the format he grew up idolising. In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Rohit spoke candidly about his emotional connection with the 50-over World Cup and his desperation to lift the trophy for India.
“I will definitely want to go out there and win the World Cup for my country that is something that I’ve always looked upon. I’ve grown up watching this 50-over World Cup. There was no T20 World Cup, no IPL back then and that was the pinnacle of cricket which used to happen every four years,” said Rohit Sharma in the video.
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He adde, “So there was desperation, there was so much weight for that one trophy and yeah I really want that trophy so I’m gonna try and do everything in my power and capacity to work hard and get it.”
ROHIT SHARMA ON PLAYING 2027 ODI WORLD CUP
🎙️”I will definitely want to go out there and win the World Cup for my country that is something that I’ve always looked upon I’ve grown up watching this 50-over WC. There was no T20 WC, no IPL back then and that was the pinnacle of… pic.twitter.com/sAtRmIkOsI
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) February 11, 2026
Rohit’s remarks come at a time when his place and longevity in India’s ODI setup have been the subject of intense scrutiny. However, his comments indicate that he is not yet ready to step away from the format and instead sees the 2027 World Cup in South Africa as unfinished business. Having led India to the final of the ODI World Cup in 2023, where they suffered a heartbreaking defeat at home against Australia, the veteran opener appears driven by the desire to have one final shot at glory on the biggest stage.
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With the 2027 edition still over a year away, Rohit Sharma’s future will inevitably continue to be debated. For now, though, the message from the captain is unequivocal — he is prepared to do everything within his power to play in South Africa and win the ODI World Cup for India. Meanwhile, he will return to action in ODIs during the England tour in July 2026.
