In an age dominated by T20 spectacles and lightning-fast chases, India captain Rohit Sharma has thrown his weight behind the relevance and sustainability of ODI cricket. In a candid chat with former Australian skipper Michael Clarke on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Rohit made it clear that despite the hype around T20Is, the 50-over format still holds a special and vital place in the cricketing ecosystem.
Recalling the intense battles of the ICC Champions Trophy, Rohit highlighted how ODIs test both mental and physical endurance, offering a unique challenge that shorter formats simply cannot replicate.
“There’s been a lot of talk about whether one-day cricket is sustainable. But we’ve all grown up watching 50-over World Cups and the Champions Trophy. Those were high-pressure, high-intensity games,” Rohit Sharma remarked.
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He acknowledged that the shorter attention spans of today’s audiences and the rise of franchise T20 leagues may have altered perceptions, but insisted that ODIs continue to demand a blend of skill, strategy, and stamina. “Yes, it’s longer, and maybe it doesn’t give the quick fix of a T20, but it’s a true test of cricketing ability,” he added.
“50-over cricket has a different challenge”
Rohit Sharma backs ODI cricket’s sustainability in the modern era of the game.#RohitSharma #ODI #Crickethttps://t.co/dMdHvWFSrP
— India Today Sports (@ITGDsports) April 16, 2025
Rohit Sharma’s love affair with the format is well documented. In India’s 2025 Champions Trophy win, he played a pivotal role, scoring 180 runs in five matches, including a match-winning 76 in the final against New Zealand. With over 11,000 runs in 273 ODIs, Rohit remains one of the format’s most consistent performers.
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However, his form in the ongoing IPL 2025 season has been far from ideal. Representing Mumbai Indians, the star opener has managed just 56 runs in five games, averaging a modest 11.20—a slump he’ll be eager to overturn in the coming fixtures.
