Rohit Sharma has left his participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup unresolved, declining to make a commitment more than a year before the tournament is staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The former India Captain, who now plays international cricket exclusively in the ODI format following his retirements from Tests and T20Is, was asked about his World Cup plans during an appearance at the Global Fintech Fest.
Sharma said at the event: “October 2027 is far away, we will see about it then.”
Rohit’s ODI future remains under scrutiny
The uncertainty surrounding Sharma’s longer-term plans comes as India begin looking towards the next ODI World Cup cycle. He will turn 40 during the World Cup year, with the tournament scheduled to run from October 4 to November 21, 2027.
Questions around his position have intensified in recent weeks following reports that India’s selectors could eventually move on from the veteran opener before the tournament. Separate reports also suggested Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar had told Rohit that the team management was not considering him for the World Cup.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), however, subsequently rejected the suggestion that a decision had been made on Sharma’s future.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told reporters following the Board’s review meeting at its headquarters: “He is playing superbly in all matches. So what more do you want? In the last match (against England), he scored 138 runs, so why is there speculation? I do not want to give some fodder for the speculators.”
Lord’s century strengthens recent ODI record
Sharma’s most recent international appearance came in the third ODI against England at Lord’s, where he scored 138 from 110 balls. The innings followed speculation during the series that the match could potentially become his final appearance for India.
India ultimately lost the series, but Sharma’s century provided another significant performance as questions continued over how long he would remain part of the ODI setup.
India are expected to play at least 14 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, excluding the postponed Bangladesh series and any potential Asia Cup fixtures. The period gives the team opportunities to assess its combinations ahead of the tournament while Sharma continues his ODI career.
The West Indies are due to visit India later this month for a three-match ODI series, although the squad has yet to be announced. If selected, Sharma would make his first international appearance since scoring 138 in the third ODI against England at Lord’s.
World Cup remains more than a year away
The 2027 tournament will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, four years after Sharma captained India to the 2023 ODI World Cup final on home soil. India subsequently won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy during his tenure as Captain.
Sharma was also asked at the Global Fintech Fest about the possibility of celebrations similar to those that followed India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph should the team win the next ODI World Cup.
He replied: “I do not think a bus parade would be possible now.”
For now, Sharma remains part of India’s ODI landscape without committing himself to the 2027 tournament. With more than a year remaining before the World Cup begins, his immediate international future centres on the ODI opportunities ahead rather than a decision on whether he will be part of India’s squad in southern Africa.
