The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy final could be a defining moment in Rohit Sharma’s captaincy career, as reports suggest the BCCI is looking for a stable leader for the next ICC World Test Championship cycle (2025-27) and the 2027 ODI World Cup. At 37, Rohit has the freedom to decide his retirement plans, but once the tournament concludes, discussions regarding India’s future leadership will intensify.
A report in The Times of India quotes a BCCI source stating that while Rohit still believes he has cricket left in him, a conversation about his long-term role as captain is inevitable. “Retirement is his decision, but there will be discussions on whether he should continue leading. He understands the need for a stable captain to build towards the next World Cup,” the source added.
The report also mentions that the BCCI has held informal talks with Virat Kohli about his future, though there is no urgency surrounding his decision.
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Rohit has already been part of discussions with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. The talks reportedly took place after India toured Australia earlier this year. The veteran of 67 Tests, 272 ODIs, and 159 T20Is is aiming for his third ICC trophy as a player and his second as captain when India faces New Zealand in the final on Sunday.
BCCI wants a stable captain to plan for next 2 years 😲
“Rohit still believes there is some cricket left in him. He has been told to communicate his plans going forward. Retiring is his call but there will be another discussion around continuing with captaincy”.(HT) #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/E4WM4XTViY
— Anisht Dev (@cricketcoast) March 7, 2025
Historically, India has taken a structured approach to captaincy transitions. MS Dhoni stepped down as ODI captain two years before the 2019 World Cup, allowing Kohli ample time to settle into the role. Rohit, in contrast, took over the white-ball captaincy from Kohli in 2021, just two years before the 2023 ODI World Cup.
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India’s recent appointment of Shubman Gill as ODI vice-captain suggests the 25-year-old is being groomed as Rohit’s successor whenever he decides to step away.
