ODI World Cup Some Distance Away But India Need Rohit Sharma In This Transition Phase
There were two instances during Rohit Sharma's lengthy post-tournament press conference on Sunday when the issue of his retirement cropped up. The first time the subject was broached with him after a triumphant campaign in the Champions Trophy in Dubai, the Indian captain gave an open-ended answer, "No future plans, jaise chal raha hain, chalta rahega (the way it is going, it will continue that way)." When he next mentioned the dreaded 'R' word, it was more voluntary and was an afterthought to a completely different question.
Just before concluding the press meet, he said: "One more thing. I'm not going to retire from this format, just to make sure that no rumours are spread moving forward." Rohit's statement was a loaded one as the stress was on "this format", which is 50-over cricket.
He retired from T20Is after the World Cup triumph in Americas last year, and questions remain over his future in Test cricket, with the Indian team set to tour England this summer.
He spelt out his ambitions loud and clear and obviously, he has some unfinished business with an eye on the 2027 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The World Cup is still some distance away and the Indian skipper is a bonafide legend of the ODI format.
By laying emphasis on "this format", Rohit has made his intentions clear and as long as he is scoring runs, age wouldn't be a barrier although he would be close to 40 by the time the marquee event comes calling.
While ODI is still his preferred format, Rohit has in no way said that he doesn't want to play Test matches. In fact, except the Australia tour and the series before that against New Zealand at home, he has been the team's best Test batter.
Rohit's best overseas