In a heartwarming viral video, Indian cricket maestro Rohit Sharma has confirmed his unwavering intention to compete in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, driven by a deep desire to finally claim the coveted trophy that has evaded him throughout his illustrious career.
The revelation came during a touching interaction with a child from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. When asked about the next one-day World Cup, Rohit confidently stated, “2027.” The child then asked, “Are you going to play it?” to which Sharma responded with a resolute, “Yes, I want to play.”
This announcement arrives amidst ongoing discussions about his future in 50-over cricket. Having recently retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, and stepping away from Test cricket earlier this year, One-Day Internationals now stand as his sole active international format – a path also chosen by his esteemed teammate, Virat Kohli.
Sharma’s motivation stems, in part, from the bitter taste of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Despite leading a formidable campaign, India suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the final held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Demonstrating his commitment to peak performance, the seasoned opener has been diligently focusing on his fitness. Reports indicate he has shed approximately 10 kilograms during an intense training period guided by former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.
Fans will see Rohit back in action for the three-match ODI series against Australia, commencing on October 19 at Optus Stadium in Perth. This series, following India’s dominant Champions Trophy win in March, is seen as crucial preparation for the 2027 World Cup.
The 2027 World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, both Rohit and Kohli are expected to remain pivotal members of the squad, bringing invaluable experience and firepower to India’s campaign.