Following the celebration with Virat Kohli shortly after leading India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, captain Rohit Sharma remarked, "We are not retiring." This statement was directed at the photographers who were present to capture the moment, as if it were a farewell. However, the reality was different, and the world was yet to be informed. Moments later, Rohit ensured that everyone was aware of his intentions. At the conclusion of the post-final press conference, he declared, "One more thing, I’m not going to retire from this format, just to prevent any further rumors."

This declaration was significant. Since India's semi-final exit in the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022, Rohit has been making bold statements in the white-ball format, having adopted a markedly different batting approach. The results were evident, as he amassed over 500 runs at a strike rate exceeding 100 during the ODI World Cup held in India in 2023. Although he fell short of securing the title in the final, he later guided the team to victory in the T20 World Cup. Within nine months, he became the first Indian captain to achieve back-to-back ICC titles in consecutive years.

In the final against New Zealand, Rohit delivered an impressive performance, scoring 76 runs and earning the Player of the Match accolade. While he recorded five centuries in the 2019 World Cup, his strike rate during the first Powerplay that year was merely 67.74, and over the five years from 2015 to 2019, it averaged 75.81. Since 2020, however, his strike rate in the Powerplay has surged to 115.51. Additionally, he has hit more sixes in the initial ten overs of ODIs in recent years than any other batsman throughout the entire 50 overs.

Ricky Ponting wants Rohit Sharma to lead India in 2027 ODI World Cup

Rohit's current performance and his recent declaration of not retiring following India's triumph in the Champions Trophy suggest that he may be poised to captain India in the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027. Esteemed former Australian captain Ricky Ponting certainly believes this to be the case. The two-time World Cup champion remarked that Rohit has reached a stage in his career where many expect him to step down.

“As players approach this phase of their careers, there is often an anticipation of retirement from those around them,” Ponting stated to ICC. “However, I find it perplexing that such expectations arise when a player continues to perform at a high level, as Rohit did in the final. I believe he aimed to dispel those doubts definitively by affirming, ‘No, I am still performing well. I enjoy being part of this team and leading it.’”

It is my belief that his statement indicates he is likely focused on the objective of participating in the upcoming 2027 World Cup.

Ponting remarked that the loss in the previous tournament, where he served as captain, may be a lingering concern for him.

Having played alongside Rohit at Mumbai Indians, Ponting expressed that he deserves another opportunity to secure the ODI World Cup and complete the ICC white-ball treble.

He emphasized the importance of making another attempt to win the T20 World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the ODI World Cup. Observing Rohit's performance in the Champions Trophy final, Ponting asserted that it is premature to suggest that his career is nearing its end.

Conversely, during an interview with 'JioHotstar', the Indian captain refrained from committing to participation in the next major ICC 50-over tournament in South Africa.

“At this moment, I am addressing matters as they arise. It would be inappropriate for me to speculate about the future. My current focus is on performing well and maintaining a positive mindset. I prefer not to make definitive statements regarding my participation in the 2027 World Cup,” Rohit stated following the final.

“Realistically, I have always approached my career incrementally. I do not tend to contemplate the distant future, nor have I done so previously. For now, I am relishing my cricketing experience and the time spent with this team. I hope my teammates appreciate my presence as well. That is what truly matters at this juncture.”

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