Mumbai, Sept 11:
Former India captain Rohit Sharma has kept the door open on his participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying that the tournament is still more than a year away and that he will decide when the time comes.
Rohit was asked about his plans for the World Cup during an event in Mumbai on Thursday. The veteran batter gave a brief response, saying, “October 2027 is far away, we will see about it then.” His remarks are likely to keep speculation alive over whether he will continue his ODI career until the next 50-over World Cup.
The 2027 World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Rohit, who has already retired from T20I and Test cricket, remains available in the ODI format and continues to attract attention over his future in the longest remaining format of his international career.
Rohit has also given little reason for selectors or fans to write him off from the ODI setup. According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the batter is continuing to perform at a high level. Saikia recently pointed to Rohit’s form while dismissing speculation about his international future.
“He is playing superbly in all matches,” Saikia said, adding that Rohit had scored 138 in his last ODI against England. Saikia also said he did not want to provide “fodder for the speculators” regarding the veteran’s future.
Rohit’s latest comments therefore stop short of either confirming or ruling out a World Cup appearance. With the 2027 tournament still more than a year away, his form, fitness and place in India’s ODI plans are likely to determine whether the former captain gets another opportunity to appear on the biggest stage.
Rohit was also asked whether an Indian World Cup triumph in 2027 could lead to another open-top bus parade similar to the celebrations following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory. He replied that he did not think such a bus parade would be possible now.