Rohit Sharma has signalled his intention to remain in ODI cricket with his sights set on the 2027 World Cup. The India captain reflected on his continued motivation in the 50-over format after stepping back from Test and T20 International cricket.
Speaking to JioStar ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against West Indies, Rohit opened up about what drives him forward in the shorter international format and his ambitions for the tournament ahead.
“The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished. As long as you’re playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I’m looking forward to the World Cup, looking at what lies ahead for me,” Rohit said to JioStar.
The 2027 World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, running from October 4 to November 21. As India’s captain in 2023, Rohit led the side to the final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where Australia claimed the trophy. That experience of leading India in a World Cup final remains a significant milestone in his career.
Rohit’s ODI record stands at 11,895 runs across 288 matches, including 34 centuries and 62 half-centuries at an average of 48 with a strike rate of 93. He holds the record for the highest individual ODI score of 264, scored against Sri Lanka in 2014, and remains the only batter to have struck three ODI double-centuries. These numbers underscore his experience and quality in the format.
Kohli commits to freer batting for West Indies ODIs
India’s ODI schedule towards 2027 World Cup
The challenges of facing varied opponents across different venues demand specific tactical planning and mental preparation. The upcoming West Indies series begins on September 27 at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, with the second match scheduled for September 30 in Guwahati and the third on October 3 in New Chandigarh. India’s ODI schedule later in 2026 includes five matches in New Zealand and three against Sri Lanka. A three-match series against Zimbabwe is planned for the start of 2027, providing further preparation ahead of the World Cup.
“When the World Cup is played, when we play an ICC tournament, it has its own unique challenge, because you face different opponents, you play at different venues. So, you have to prepare differently, think in a different way and that is the challenge,” Rohit said.
