Will Rohit Sharma play in 2027 World Cup? India skipper reveals future plans after Champions Trophy triumph

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma opened up about his future plans after the Men in Blue’s Champions Trophy 2025 triumph at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9. 

Rohit Sharma captained Team India to end their 12-year Champions Trophy title drought with a thrilling victory over New Zealand. This was India’s third triumph in the tournament after winning it in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013 under the leadership of Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni. The 2025 Champions Trophy triumph was the Men in Blue’s second consecutive ICC title under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma after winning the T20 World Cup title last year. 

Following India’s Champions Trophy title win, there were speculations about Rohit Sharma announcing his retirement from ODI cricket. However, at the press conference, the Indian skipper himself confirmed that he is not retiring from the shortest format of the game, ensuring that no rumours are spread about bidding adieu from ODIs, which has been a stronghold over the last several years. 

After quashing his retirement rumours, Rohit Sharma gave a fresh perspective about his future plans, which would further spark whether he will continue playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup or he would pass on the baton to the next generation.

Speaking on JioHotstar, Rohit Sharma stated that he is not thinking too far ahead at the moment and instead taking things that come in his way. However, the Indian skipper was hesitate to confirm whether he would be available to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. 

“Right now, I am taking things as they come. It wouldn’t be fair for me to think too far ahead. At this moment, my focus is on playing well and maintaining the right mindset.” the 37-year-old said. 

“I don’t want to draw any lines and say whether I will or won’t play in the 2027 World Cup,”he added.

The veteran Indian batter further spoke about taking one step at a time, adding that he wants to enjoy his cricket and spend time with the team. 

“There’s no point in making such statements right now. Realistically, I have always taken my career one step at a time. I don’t like thinking too far into the future, and I haven’t done so in the past, either.

“For now, I am enjoying my cricket and the time I spend with this team. I hope my teammates enjoy my presence as well. That’s all that matters at this point,” he added.

Ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, the reports emerged that Rohit Sharma was asked to communicate about his future plans after the conclusion of the marquee event. As per the report by Times of India (TOI), the source close to BCCI stated that there would be another meeting with regards to the captaincy, adding that Rohit Sharma himself understood the need to have a stable captain. This report sparked the speculations about the Indian skipper’s retirement from the format. However, Team India vice-captain Shubman Gill dismissed the retirement talks of Rohit Sharma ahead of the final, stating that the captain was focusing on the title clash rather than thinking about the retirement.

Rohit Sharma had a brilliant outing in the final against New Zealand as he led India's batting with an innings of 76 off 83 balls in the 252-run chase. He also formed a 105-run stand for the opening wicket with Shubman Gill (31 off 50 balls), laying the foundation for India’s successful chase. This was his first fifty of the Champions Trophy 2025. In five matches, the Indian batting stalwart aggregated 180 runs, including a fifty, at an average of 36. After leading Team India to a second consecutive ICC title, Rohit became the second Indian captain after MS Dhoni and the fifth overall to win two or more ICC titles.

Rohit Sharma retired from the T20Is following the T20 World Cup triumph. The 37-year-old might continue playing ODI cricket, but his future in Test cricket remains doubtful following the disastrous series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he amassed just 31 runs in five innings. Ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, the reports emerged that he is unlikely to be picked for the Test tour of England. The 37-year-old confirmed that he would be playing ODIs, but it remains to be seen whether he will be available for the ODI World Cup, given that India will play 27 ODI matches, including 3 away series in Australia, England and New Zealand till the prestigious tournament.