Rohit Sharma's remarkable resurgence in 2025 has not only silenced his critics but also propelled him to the very top of ODI cricket. The 38-year-old Mumbai
batter finished the year as the world's No. 1 ODI batter, a feat that seemed uncertain just a few months ago.
Featuring in all 14 ODIs played by India this year, Rohit piled up 650 runs, powered by two centuries and four half-centuries, underlining his continued value in the format.
The turning point came during India's three-match ODI tour of Australia in October 2025. Facing intense scrutiny over his place in the side and his international future, Rohit responded in the best way possible - with runs.
He ended the series as the leading run-scorer and walked away with the Player of the Series award. More importantly, his performances helped him reach the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings for the first time in his illustrious career.
The series win was particularly significant given the context. Prior to the tour, Rohit had been removed from India's ODI captaincy despite leading the team to the ICC Champions Trophy title in his previous assignment. Questions about longevity and form followed him, but the veteran opener showed that class and experience still matter at the highest level.
Rohit carried his fine form into the home ODI series against South Africa, where he struck two more half-centuries, further strengthening his case as India's premier ODI batter. As he now prepares to represent Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this week, the focus has shifted from his recent success to what lies ahead.
At an event in Gurugram on Sunday (December 21), Rohit addressed those questions head-on, offering a rare glimpse into his mindset about the future of his international career.
"Mera bhi life kuch aise he tha; start karna bahut difficult tha (My life was also like this; it was very difficult to start). But once I took the momentum, once I sat in the plane, vo plane ne jo altitude pakda hai vo abhi tak neeche nahi aaya hai (the altitude that the plane has caught has not come down yet). I think that is what matters, and I don't want that plane to land so quickly now. Mere ko abhi tak upar rehna hai (I want to stay up till now)," Rohit said.
Elaborating further, he added, "We all know, I am sure everybody has travelled. That is why I gave this example of a plane. When a plane reaches an altitude of 35,000-40,000, you feel nice and relaxed; we eat and we sleep. So that is what life is. Once you take that momentum, I think it's important you stay, and then obviously landing is also important, but it depends on you when you want to land. "
For now, Rohit Sharma has made it clear - his journey at the top is far from over.
