Former India Captain Rohit Sharma is set to make his television hosting debut with a new entertainment programme scheduled to launch in September on Sony Entertainment Television and SonyLIV.
The 39-year-old will serve as host and presenter of the reality programme, although most details surrounding its format remain undisclosed. Sony has promoted the project as “The Biggest Entertainment Debut”, while SonyLIV has teased a “whole new side” of Rohit ahead of its launch.
Rohit prepares for television debut
Promotional material for the programme has drawn heavily on Rohit’s personality and his popularity with cricket fans. One of the recurring themes comes from his widely shared on-field remark, “Koi bhi garden mein nahi ghumega”, which was originally picked up by the stump microphone during a match.
An earlier teaser showed fans repeatedly asking Rohit to deliver the line, while another promotional video showed him involved behind the scenes as preparations for the programme took shape.
Rohit said in the teaser, “These two lines I uttered have become so viral, imagine what will happen when my show comes out.”
He later added to the build-up through a social media post, writing, “Stage ready. Cameras ready. See you soon.”
Stage ready. Cameras ready. See you soon. 🎬@SonyTV @SonyLIV #Collab pic.twitter.com/ozvvWIpQNF
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) August 10, 2026
The programme forms part of Sony Pictures Networks India’s wider entertainment slate, alongside Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18, Crime Patrol 2026, Indian Game Show and a range of regional productions.
New venture arrives amid questions over ODI future
Rohit’s move into entertainment comes at a stage when ODI cricket is the only international format in which he remains active. He retired from T20 Internationals in June 2024 and Test cricket in May 2025, prompting continued discussion around how long he intends to play the 50-over format.
The timing of his television debut has added to speculation about his playing future, but there has been no announcement from Rohit or the BCCI connecting the programme to an ODI retirement. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia had previously said there had been no discussion about Rohit retiring from the format.
Questions over his future intensified during India’s recent three-match ODI series in England, particularly ahead of the final match at Lord’s. Rohit had scored 11 and 26 in the opening two games before responding with 138 from 110 balls in the series decider.
His innings included 17 fours and five sixes and made him the first Indian to score an ODI century at Lord’s. India nevertheless fell 27 runs short while chasing 388, losing the series 2-1.
Hayden weighs in on Rohit’s longevity
Rohit’s age and prospects of remaining in India’s plans through the 2027 ODI World Cup have continued to generate discussion despite his performances. Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has now weighed in on the decisions facing the India star as he approaches the latter stages of his playing career.
Speaking to ANI, Hayden said, “Look, when you get to the age Rohit is at, you start facing those questions. Before him, it was Virat, and before that, it was Gautam Gambhir. It just goes on and on. You can’t play this beautiful game forever. When you reach that stage of your career, you’re inevitably asked whether it will be the IPL or international cricket that goes first. Rohit has already retired from Test cricket, so ultimately, only he can know whether he still fights a lion to keep charging through what is an incredibly demanding schedule. You need a young man’s energy to compete at the very highest level. So, in the end, it will be entirely his call.”
Rohit’s England series produced 175 runs across three matches at an average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 98.31. Across nine ODIs in 2026, he has scored 379 runs at an average of 42.11, including one century and one half-century.
Rohit’s ODI record remains among India’s best
Rohit has accumulated 11,895 runs from 288 ODIs and 280 innings at an average of 48.95 and a strike rate of 93.04. His record includes 34 centuries, 62 half-centuries and a highest score of 264.
He currently sits seventh on the all-time ODI run-scoring list and third among Indian batters, behind Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.
For now, Rohit’s television project represents an expansion into entertainment rather than a confirmed change to his ODI career. With no retirement announcement from either Rohit or the BCCI, his new role as a television host will sit alongside his continuing involvement in India’s 50-over setup.
