India's batting stalwart and ODI skipper, Rohit Sharma, is reportedly not to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. The upcoming series against Australia in October
2025 could be his last appearance in ODIs, ending a legendary career.
Rohit, alongside Virat Kohli, has been the main member of Indian ODI cricket for over a decade. The duo has taken the team through a number of tournaments, setting batting records and delivering in the biggest matches. However, according to reports, the Indian team management has shifted its focus toward grooming younger talent for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
The Australia tour in October 2025 is set to feature three ODIs on October 19, 23, and 25. Reports claim that both Rohit and Kohli may make formal announcements about their ODI futures before the series begins. If confirmed, it would be the last time Indian fans could witness Rohit in action in the 50-over format.
Don't think they will play: Sunil Gavaskar
The decision is seen as part of India’s long-term strategy. By 2027, the Nagpur-born will be 40 years old, and fitness alongside workload management is expected to be an important concern. The team management, under head coach Gautam Gambhir, reportedly wants to ensure that the next generation of players gain international exposure well ahead of the World Cup. Shubman Gill, already India’s Test captain and recently named as the vice-captain in the Asia Cup squad, has come out to be the frontrunner to succeed Rohit as ODI skipper.
Rohit’s ODI career saw him feature in 273 matches and score 11,168 runs at an average of 48.76, with 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries. His three double centuries in ODIs made him one of the best batters of this format. Most recently, he led India to Champions Trophy title glory in Dubai. Legendary Indian opener, Sunil Gavaskar recently stated that the two won't be part of the squad for the 2027 ICC event.
"They have been massive performers in this format of the game. Again, the selection committee will probably be looking at the 2027 World Cup. They will be looking at 'will they be able to be in the team for the 2027 World Cup? Will they be able to make the kind of contributions they have been making?'. That will be the thought process of the selection committee. If the selection committee thinks 'yes, they can', then both of them will be there for that. No, I don't think they will be playing. I am being very honest. But, who knows, in the next year or so, if they strike a rich vein of form, and if they keep scoring hundreds and hundreds, even God can't drop them," Gavaskar told Sports Today.
