Rohit Sharma warns of FIFA World Cup 2027 and entertains Guwahati with 72-ball 100

Rohit Sharma sent an early warning ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, smashing a sensational 72-ball century against West Indies in Guwahati to highlight his enduring value in the 50-over format. His 35th ODI set came during India’s mammoth chase of 406 after West Indies posted 405/7, with Rohit once again producing a special innings at a venue where he enjoyed a remarkable love affair.

Rohit went into the Guwahati ODI needing 73 runs completed 12,000 ODI runs, reaching the milestone in 282 inningswho became the second fastest batsman after Virat Kohli. He then continued his onslaught, reaching his century in just 72 balls, having earlier scored 32 off 35 in the series opener in Thiruvananthapuram.

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And when the hundred finally arrived, Rohit offered a celebration rarely seen from him. After reaching three figures, he pumped his fists into the air before taking a series of quick steps, visibly soaking wet in the moment. It was a much livelier celebration than the restrained reaction that accompanied his historic Lord’s hundred earlier this year when he simply removed his helmet and raised his bat.

The century was also another remarkable chapter in Rohit’s extraordinary year 2026. Earlier this year, he scored 138 off 110 balls against England at Lord’s to become the oldest Indian to score an ODI century at 39 years and 80 days, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous mark of 38 years and 327 days.

GUWAHATI IS ROHIT’S HAPPY PLACE

There seems to be something about Guwahati that brings out the best in Rohit. Before Wednesday’s innings, he played two ODIs at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium and scored 235 runs at an average of 235.00 with a strike rate of 127.71.

He made his debut against West Indies in 2018 when he smashed an unbeaten 152 off 117 balls to lead India to a comfortable eight-wicket victory while chasing 323. Rohit hit 15 fours and eight sixes in that innings as Virat Kohli scored 140 at the other end.

He returned to the post in 2023 and produced another commanding performance, scoring 83 off 67 balls against Sri Lanka. India went on to score 373/7 to win by 67 runs. Thus, in his first two innings in Guwahati, Rohit crossed his fifty each time and was dismissed only once.

THE MESSAGE OF ROHITOVA 2027 IS CLEAR

The timing of Rohit’s Guwahati hundred could hardly have been more telling. Just days earlier, he spoke about the unfinished business that still haunts him in ODI cricket and made it clear that the 2027 World Cup remains something he is looking forward to.

“I never think that the business I had is done. As long as you play there is always something to look forward to. And I am looking forward to the World Cup and looking at what lies ahead,” Rohit said.

The 39-year-old made his intentions clear before the series, saying that the thought that his cricketing “trade” was over would never have crossed his mind when he was still playing. Rohit added that he is looking forward to the 2027 World Cup, making his latest hundred particularly significant as India begin preparations for the tournament.

The 2027 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from 4 October to 21 November. Rohit will be 40 when the tournament opens, but his recent performances have ensured that the conversation about his future remains firmly focused on what he can still produce rather than what he has already achieved.

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