Work not done: Rohit Sharma makes FIFA World Cup 2027 ambitions clear

Rohit Sharma has made his World Cup ambitions clear and said the thought of retiring will never enter his mind. Rohit is gearing up for the ODI series against the West Indies, but it will come amid questions over his future.

He will be 40 by the time the World Cup takes place in 2027, and ODI cricket is now the only international format in which he remains active. He has already found time in his Test and T20I career. The next FIFA 50 World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the tournament scheduled to run from 4 October to 21 November 2027.

Questions over Rohit’s long-term future in India’s ODI set-up have intensified in recent weeks. Reports suggested the selectors could explore a change at the top ahead of the team’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup.

However, the BCCI tried to put an end to these reports. After a recent board review meeting secretary Devajit Saikia publicly supported the veteran openerhighlighting Rohit’s recent contributions while challenging speculation about his place in India’s plans.

Speaking to JioHotstar, Rohit said that as long as he plays, he will always look forward to the upcoming World Cup and what lies ahead.

“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, I am looking at what lies ahead,” Rohit said.

‘I HAVE TO PREPARE DIFFERENTLY FOR THE WC’

Rohit captained the 2023 World Cup in India and made it to the final by his side. Unlike the previous editions he played, Rohit took a selfless approach to his batting, often attacking the bowlers early.

The former Indian captain said the World Cup build-up will always be different as the tournament will have its own challenges.

“When the World Cup is played, when we play an ICC tournament, it has its own unique challenge because you are facing different opponents, you are playing at different venues. So you have to prepare differently, think in a different way and that is the challenge,” Rohit said.

India will take on West Indies in the first ODMe on Sunday, September 27.

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