The future of Rohit Sharma in Indian cricket is at a pivotal moment. The 38-year-old recently stepped down as India’s ODI captain, handing the reins to Shubman Gill. This significant decision by the BCCI has ignited conversations about how it might transform Rohit’s approach at the batting crease.
(Pictured: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill)
Former India batter Robin Uthappa, who was a teammate of Rohit’s, voiced concerns that being relieved of captaincy duties could impact Rohit’s signature aggressive opening style. For years, Rohit has consistently been the driving force for India in ODIs, especially in crucial tournaments. Notably, he maintained the highest strike rate among India’s top five batters in both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
“Rohit has consistently raised the tempo in one-day cricket over the past few years,” Uthappa shared on The KimAppa Show. “He’s transformed his game to play at a quicker clip. Being captain gave him the freedom to lead from the front and express himself aggressively. Now, as a regular player, he might be a bit more cautious. The selectors have also clarified that players will be picked purely on merit, so Rohit and Virat may temper their approach slightly.”
Fitness and Future Prospects
Rohit’s last appearance as captain was in the Champions Trophy 2025 final. Despite this, he has affirmed that he has no immediate plans to retire from One Day Internationals.
However, with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon and Rohit approaching his 40th birthday, maintaining peak form and fitness presents a considerable challenge, particularly if he concentrates on a single format of the game.
Regarding his fitness, Rohit has demonstrated remarkable dedication. Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar disclosed that Rohit has successfully shed 10 kilograms, a clear indication of his commitment to extending his high-level career.
Rohit is slated to rejoin the Indian ODI squad for the first time since the Champions Trophy, for the three-match series against Australia beginning October 19. Fans eagerly await to see if the seasoned batsman can continue to inspire with his performance, even without the captain’s armband.