Rohit Sharma's childhood coach Dinesh Lad has strongly played down Rohit Sharma's retirement talks and provided a big update on the Indian captain's potential participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Following his retirement from T20Is after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup, there is speculation about Rohit Sharma's future in international cricket.
While Rohit Sharma has not retired from Test or ODI cricket, rumors are rife that he may end his illustrious career after the conclusion of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. With India poised to qualify for the final, there is a possibility that Rohit Sharma will retire from both Test and ODI cricket after leading the team in the title decider.
Rohit Sharma to continue ODI cricket until 2027 World Cup
Contrary to recent rumors, Rohit Sharma's childhood coach, Dinesh Lad, has dismissed speculation about his retirement from ODI cricket before the 2027 World Cup. While Lad acknowledged that Rohit might retire from Test cricket next year, he confirmed that the Indian captain will continue playing in the ODI format.
"No, look, I am not saying that Rohit Sharma will announce his retirement after the World Test Championship, though he might," Lad told Dainik Jagran.
As he is getting older, it seems like he could retire from Test: Dinesh Lad
"As he is getting older, it seems like he could retire from Test cricket. The reason could be that he wants to keep himself fully fit for one-day cricket. However, I am 100 percent certain that Rohit Sharma will play in the 2027 One Day World Cup. The kind of cricket he is playing is incredible," he added.
Rohit Sharma has repeatedly expressed his desire to win the ODI World Cup, a dream that has fueled his international cricket career. Despite making his debut in 2007, he was unfortunately excluded from the 2011 World Cup-winning Indian team.
Since then, Rohit Sharma has participated in every World Cup but has yet to lift the coveted trophy. In 2023, he led India to the World Cup final but fell short of victory. Earlier this year, Rohit Sharma reaffirmed his determination to win the World Cup, highlighting his unwavering ambition.
"I haven't really thought about retirement. But, I don't know where life takes you. I am playing well at the moment and I am thinking of continuing for a few more years. I really want to win that World Cup," said Rohit on YouTube chat show 'Breakfast with Champions'.
"We have grown up watching the 50-over World Cup. There is the World Test Championship final happening at Lord's in 2025. Hopefully, we will make it there," he added.
