As Rohit Sharma’s future and his participation in the 2027 World Cup have become a talking point again, former Australian player Matthew Hayden feels Sharma’s retirement decision will ultimately depend on whether he still has the hunger, energy and desire to play with the demands of top-level cricket as well.

With Rohit already retired from Test cricket and T20 format, Hayden believes only Rohit can decide how long he wants to play, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket both demanding a significant commitment as well.

“Look, when you get to the age Rohit is at, you start facing those questions. Before him, it was Virat, and before that, it was Gautam Gambhir. It just goes on and on. You can’t play this beautiful game forever. When you reach that stage of your career, you’re inevitably asked whether it will be the IPL or international cricket that goes first. Rohit has already retired from Test cricket, so ultimately, only he can know whether he still fights a lion to keep charging through what is an incredibly demanding schedule. You need a young man’s energy to compete at the very highest level. So, in the end, it will be entirely his call,” Matthew Hayden told ANI.

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However, 39-year-old Rohit Sharma can feature in the 2027 World Cup as he continues to silence critics with strong performances. During the tour to England, it was speculated ahead of the third ODI at Lord’s that the final match at the iconic venue would be his last international match for India, having already retired from T20Is and Tests as well. However, with a stunning 138 in a run-chase of 388 runs, he proved to the world that he is ready for the World Cup next year.

Notably, Rohit Sharma ended the England ODIs with 175 runs in three matches at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 98.31, with a century and a stunning 138 in 110 balls with 17 fours and five sixes during a 388-run chase in the series decider, which India eventually lost by 27 runs as well. Despite India’s series loss by 2-1, a masterclass from Rohit Sharma and his century stand with long-time batting partner Virat Kohli (74 in 60 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes) emade headlines.