Speculation regarding Rohit Sharma's retirement has resurfaced, as former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed doubts about the India captain's participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. This remark was made just before India's highly anticipated match against their long-standing rivals, Pakistan, in the 2025 Champions Trophy. This match marks India's second outing in Group A, with the team aiming for a place in the semifinals.

In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar dismissed the likelihood of Rohit being part of the Indian squad for the ODI World Cup two years hence, suggesting that the Champions Trophy might be the concluding event of his career. He encouraged the 37-year-old to approach the game against Pakistan with a liberated mindset, focusing on his performance rather than the notion of it being a farewell match.

"I have a feeling that if he has made a decision, can Rohit Sharma be part of the 2027 Cricket World Cup? I find that very unlikely. Therefore, what you are suggesting could indeed be his final tournament," he stated. "I expect Rohit Sharma to play freely, not burdened by the idea of this being his swansong, but rather by the potential for exceptional batting that he can deliver."

Rohit Sharma's strong start to Champions Trophy

The Indian captain continued his strong performance from his last appearance in an ICC ODI tournament, the 2023 World Cup. In their Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh on a challenging Dubai pitch last Thursday, Rohit maintained his aggressive approach, contributing significantly to India's six-wicket victory with a score of 41 off 36 balls. Prior to the match, he had dismissed concerns about his form, having recently achieved a remarkable century in the home ODI series against England earlier this month.

Rohit Sharma's popularity surged during the 2023 World Cup held in India. According to Manjrekar, what endeared Sharma to the fans was his selfless leadership. He noted that although Sharma had the opportunity to score a century, he prioritized providing a strong start for the team, thereby facilitating the efforts of the players who followed him.

Read Also: Yuvraj’s Timeless Catch Stuns All, Sara Tendulkar’s Reaction Steals the Show!

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!