'I want to play,' Rohit Sharma rules out retirement options ahead of AUS vs IND 2025 series

Rohit Sharma has confirmed his intention to play in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, dismissing retirement rumors. During a moment with a Make-A-Wish child, he expressed his commitment.

Rohit Sharma during the practice session. Image | BCCI on X

Rohit Sharma has unequivocally declared that he will be playing in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, dismissing any retirement talk and setting his sights on winning the trophy that has so far eluded him. The 38-year-old Indian opening batsman and former captain made this announcement during a heartfelt interaction with a Make-A-Wish child. When asked if he would be playing in the next World Cup, Rohit confidently replied, “Yes, I want to play,” promising to give everything to bring the title home for India.

Rohit is getting ready for 2027 World Cup

This declaration puts to rest months of speculation about his future in the 50-over format. Having already retired from both Test cricket and T20 Internationals earlier in 2025, ODIs remain Rohit's only active international format alongside his long-time teammate Virat Kohli.

Both players, regarded as modern-day legends of Indian cricket, are now focusing solely on 50-over cricket, aiming to deliver India’s first 50-over World Cup title since 2011.

Rohit's resolve comes at an important time as India prepares for a tough tour of Australia, with the three-match ODI series starting on October 19, 2025, at Perth Stadium. His recent fitness transformation, reportedly shedding close to 10 kilograms under the guidance of former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, reflects his commitment to remain a potent force. This renewed focus is crucial because India’s ODI captaincy has already been handed to the young prodigy Shubman Gill, with Rohit and Kohli retained in the squad to provide experience and leadership during the transition.

"I want to play:" Rohit

While speaking to a kid in a Make-A-Wish video, Rohit shared that he wants to play the 2027 Cricket World Cup and is determined to help India win the trophy after 16 years.

Here is the conversation between the kid and Rohit Sharma:

Kid to Rohit Sharma: "When is the next one-day World Cup"?

Rohit Sharma: "2027"

Kid: "Are you going to play it"?

Rohit Sharma: "Yes, I want to play"

Australia tour will be a test for Hitman

The tour of Australia will not only test Rohit's form and fitness but also provide him with invaluable match practice ahead of the 2027 World Cup, which South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will co-host. The tournament represents Rohit’s chance to fulfill the elusive dream of clinching the ODI World Cup as a player; he featured in three finals (2015, 2019, and 2023) but India fell just short each time, including a heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 final at Ahmedabad.

The limited number of ODI matches over the next two years places additional pressure on them to make every game count.

Where to watch the Australia vs India 2025 ODI series in India online?

Cricket fans in India can watch the Australia vs India 2025 ODI series on the Jio Hotstar app and website, accessible via OTTplay Premium.

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