India captain Rohit Sharma said he is not currently planning too far ahead, leaving his 2027 ODI World Cup plans unknown. It was anticipated that the India captain would put up his boots for the ODI format after India's victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. At the post-match press conference, Rohit, however, made it clear that he is not retiring from 50-over cricket and asked the media to stop circulating rumors. The India captain, however, stated that he is not currently planning too far ahead and was unsure if he would stay till the ODI World Cup 2027.
However, following a dismal 2024–25 season in which the Indian captain amassed just 164 runs in 15 innings at an average of 10.93, there is still uncertainty around Rohit's Test career. In a season where he played at least 15 innings, this is the lowest average for any of the top seven batters. Due to his dismal performance, Rohit was forced to miss the historic fifth Test match against Australia in Sydney. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he scored just 31 runs in six innings at an average of 6.20.
Navjot Singh Sidhu backs Rohit to led India in England Tests
Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has backed Rohit Sharma to lead the Indian team in the Test series against England later this year, which will mark the beginning of the new WTC cycle.
"If there are 10 people in India, they have 20 different opinions. Who can you make the captain of the Test format at the last moment? You don't have anyone. No one has performed like this. You don't have a replacement. Rohit has experience. You cannot replace Rohit. His record in England is strong. You will have to take along experience and young players till the 2027 World Cup. You will have to set the team combination right. Rohit will be the captain and he should be the captain. Will you put him on the throne now? He has won 2 World Cups. In such a situation, what litmus test will you take?" Sidhu said in an exclusive conversation with Sports Tak.
"You cannot question Rohit. How will you assess his ability? Rohit has lived up to all the expectations. In Test cricket, your true colours are revealed. Your weaknesses will be exposed. It is important for Virat and Rohit to play in England. Both have experience and there is no other option apart from them," he added.
"You will look at Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as replacements. After this comes KL Rahul who is currently playing in different batting orders. In England you will need an experienced batsman in opening. Rohit knows the conditions of England very well. If anyone is afraid in England then it is Rohit. If you want to play Test cricket in England, you have to be prepared. In IPL you will play on flat pitches and then go to England. You may get a shock there. You have to be fully prepared. Test cricket is a mirror for any player," Sidhu concluded
India will also need to appoint a new skipper for the longest format if Rohit is not chosen for the trip to England, which starts with the series opener in Leeds on June 20. Being the appointed vice-captain in red-ball cricket and having led India in two matches in Australia, Jasprit Bumrah is the front-runner for the top position.
But his injury issues have raised questions about his promotion. Following the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit said goodbye to T20I cricket last year. He was replaced as team captain in the shortest format by Suryakumar Yadav, who will command the team in the tournament's 2026 edition when the Men in Blue try to defend the main event at home.