Rohit Sharma has once again indicated that he remains focused on representing India at the 2027 ODI World Cup, despite continued speculation surrounding his international future. The veteran opener, who captained India to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, said there is always something to look forward to as long as he continues playing.
Speaking to JioHotstar, Rohit Sharma made it clear that he has no intention of treating his cricketing journey as finished while he remains active. “The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished. As long as you’re playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I’m looking forward to the World Cup, looking at what lies ahead for me,” Rohit said.
The former India captain also explained why playing an ICC tournament requires a different level of preparation, particularly because teams encounter different opponents and playing conditions.
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“When the World Cup is played, when we play an ICC tournament, it has its own unique challenge, because you face different opponents, you play at different venues. So, you have to prepare differently, think in a different way and that is the challenge,” he added.
Rohit’s comments come amid months of speculation about his future in ODI cricket. During India’s ODI series in England earlier this year, reports suggested that the selection panel wanted to move on from the veteran batter after the tour.
🚨 ROHIT SHARMA’S MINDSET FOR CWC 2027. 🇮🇳🏆
“The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished. As long as you’re playing, there is always something to look forward to and I’m looking forward to the World Cup, looking at what lies ahead for me. When the… pic.twitter.com/FHyECvJE13
— Sonu Jaat (@TheSonuJaat) September 26, 2026
The third ODI at Lord’s was subsequently viewed as a possible final appearance for Rohit in India colours. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly dismissed those reports.
Rohit responded emphatically with the bat, scoring a magnificent 138 off 110 balls at Lord’s. His innings included 17 fours and five sixes, making him the first Indian men’s batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue, although India lost the match by 27 runs.
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Rohit has already retired from Tests and T20Is, leaving ODIs as his only international format. He had also stated after India’s 2025 Champions Trophy triumph that he was not retiring from ODIs “any time soon.” The 39-year-old is now set to return for the India vs West Indies ODI series, with the first match scheduled in Trivandrum on September 27.
