Rohit Sharma, India’s cricket captain, recently addressed speculations about his future in international cricket following India’s Champions Trophy victory in Dubai. He emphasized his commitment to the sport, stating, “I’m not going to retire from this format, just to make sure that no rumours are spread moving forward.” He further elaborated that he prefers to take his career one step at a time, focusing on maintaining the right mindset and enjoying his cricket without making definitive statements about events like the 2027 World Cup.

Despite these affirmations, questions persist regarding the duration of his career, especially concerning the 2027 World Cup and his role in Test cricket. Sources indicate that Rohit aims to continue his One Day International (ODI) career until the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. To remain fit and competitive for this event, he plans to collaborate with Abhishek Nayar, the current assistant coach of the Indian team, focusing on fitness, batting, and overall approach.

Nayar, a former Mumbai teammate of Rohit, is recognized for his modern coaching techniques and has previously worked with several Indian players, including KL Rahul, who has credited Nayar for his guidance. This collaboration is expected to be a key component of Rohit’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup. With approximately 27 ODIs leading up to the tournament, Rohit plans to utilize these matches to fine-tune his performance.

However, Rohit’s future in Test cricket remains uncertain. His recent performances in the five-day format have been less than stellar, leading to his omission from the final Test against Australia in Sydney during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This decision has fueled speculation about the end of his Test career. At 38, with only one fifty in his last 15 innings, it is unlikely he will return for India’s next Test series against England in mid-2025.

Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh also commented on Rohit’s struggles during the series, suggesting that his career depended on his next innings. Waugh noted that if Rohit failed to perform, it might be time to consider his future in the Test arena.

Despite these challenges in Test cricket, Rohit continues to be a pivotal figure in limited-overs formats. His aggressive batting style has significantly impacted India’s campaigns in recent tournaments, including the 2023 World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup, and the recent Champions Trophy. His leadership and experience are considered invaluable assets as India prepares for future ODI competitions.

In conclusion, while Rohit Sharma remains committed to India’s ODI ambitions, his Test cricket future appears uncertain. His collaboration with Abhishek Nayar and focus on fitness and performance indicate a strategic approach to extending his ODI career, potentially culminating in the 2027 World Cup. However, his recent Test performances and subsequent exclusion from the squad suggest that his tenure in the longest format may be nearing its end.