Get you up to speed: India’s Rohit Sharma ends retirement talk as World Cup 2027 still in sight
In the third one-day international at Lord’s, Rohit Sharma scored 138 runs off 110 balls, but India lost to England and conceded the ODI series 2-1. Despite speculation regarding his retirement, Sharma affirmed his commitment to playing for India, stating his focus remains on contributing to the team’s success.
India’s next series includes a three-match Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe, scheduled from Thursday to Sunday. Rohit Sharma’s innings of 138 marked his return to form after an 11-match stretch without a century, reinforcing his intention to compete in the ICC World Cup 2027.
Rohit Sharma has publicly dismissed retirement speculation, emphasising his commitment to representing India and focusing on contributing to the team’s success ahead of the ICC World Cup in 2027. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has expressed continued support for Sharma, who will next lead the team in a three-match Twenty20 International series in Zimbabwe.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether Rohit Sharma will continue to play for India beyond the ICC World Cup 2027.
Rohit Sharma dismisses retirement speculation as he targets World Cup 2027
Indian cricketing superstar Rohit Sharma ends retirement talk as World Cup 2027 still in his sight.
Rohit struck 138 off 110 balls in defeat by England in their third ODI, which some speculated could be his last for India.
Former India captain Rohit Sharma has dismissed speculation over his international future, saying his sole focus remains on representing the country and contributing to the team’s success.
The 39-year-old’s comments came after he struck a blistering 138 off 110 balls in India’s unsuccessful chase in the third and final one-day international against England on Sunday amid reports that the match at Lord’s could be his last appearance in Indian colours.
Sharma has long said he plans to play in the ICC World Cup in 2027, which is to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The hundred ended a lean run in which Sharma had gone 11 ODIs without reaching three figures, a stretch that fuelled questions about his place before next year’s World Cup. However, the opener retained the backing of the team’s management.
“My job is with the bat, come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That’s what I have been told to do since my debut, so that’s what I am going to do,” Sharma said in an interview on the website of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
“The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I am going to stay here, it is always going to be there.
“So it doesn’t really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That’s all my focus is right now. And let the noise be there. If there is no noise, there is no fun.”
Despite Rohit’s innings, India lost the match and conceded the ODI series 2-1.
India next travel to Zimbabwe for a three-match Twenty20 International series from Thursday through Sunday before touring Sri Lanka for a Test series next month.