Rohit Sharma Set to Bow Out of ODIs Before 2027 World Cup: A Legendary Era Nears Its End
Indian cricket may be on the verge of closing one of its most glorious chapters, with reports suggesting that Rohit Sharma will not be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Instead, his looming home series against Australia in October 2025 could be his last appearance in One Day Internationals.
Rohit, who has been India’s ODI captain since 2021, has built a formidable legacy as one of the greatest white-ball openers of all time. Alongside Virat Kohli, he became the pillar of India’s batting unit, anchoring chases, orchestrating big-match performances, and rewriting batting records for over a decade. From his iconic three double centuries in the format to leading India with flair and composure, Rohit has defined modern-day ODI dominance.
However, whispers from within the Indian team management suggest a major shift in strategy.
With the next World Cup in South Africa (2027) expected to usher in the next generation, selectors are reportedly keen to start grooming younger talents, building a squad with long-term vision rather than short-term sentiment. That transition phase is already underway, with names such as Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Tilak Varma tipped to lead the batting charge over the next cycle.
If the news holds true, Rohit Sharma’s ODI farewell will mark:
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The end of a golden partnership era with Virat Kohli.
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A monumental career of over 250 ODIs, with more than 10,000 runs, countless match-winning knocks and ICC tournament heroics.
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India turning a bold page by placing trust in the next wave of superstars to carry forward the legacy into 2027.
As fans, the possible farewell series versus Australia in late 2025 becomes even more significant — not just another bilateral contest, but a tribute tour for a modern-day ODI giant.
Adding to the growing belief that Indian cricket is preparing for a generational shift, legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has also hinted that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might not be part of the ODI setup heading into the 2027 World Cup. “Don’t think they will play,” Gavaskar recently remarked — echoing the sentiment that Indian cricket is beginning to look beyond its celebrated stalwarts.
The decision appears to be a calculated move by the new team management headed by Gautam Gambhir, who is known for his no-nonsense approach and long-term planning. By the time the 2027 edition of the World Cup kicks off in South Africa, Rohit will be 40 — an age where fitness, reflexes, and sustained workload become significant concerns in a demanding format like ODIs.
Hence, it is believed that India is keen on ensuring a seamless leadership and batting transition, starting well in advance.
Gill to lead the new era?
With this future roadmap in mind, Shubman Gill has emerged as the hot favourite to take over the reins from Rohit. Already India’s youngest-ever Test captain and recently appointed vice-captain for the Asia Cup, Gill is seen as the face of the new generation.
Giving him time to grow into the ODI leadership role — starting from the upcoming ICC cycle — is reportedly a top priority for the selectors and Gambhir-led management. Surrounding him with young, dynamic talents like Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Gaikwad, and Rinku Singh is part of the wider strategy to build a team that peaks in 2027.
India is planning a generational transition in ODIs ahead of the 2027 World Cup. With Rohit Sharma turning 40 by then, and Virat Kohli also nearing that age, the team management (under Gautam Gambhir) and selectors are reportedly preparing to move forward with younger players.
Rohit has had a legendary ODI career — 273 matches, 11,168 runs, 32 hundreds and three double tons — but according to Sunil Gavaskar, both he and Kohli are unlikely to continue till 2027. Instead, India wants to give the next generation — led by Shubman Gill — enough international exposure well before the next World Cup cycle begins.
They have been massive performers in this format of the game. Again, the selection committee will probably be looking at the 2027 World Cup. They will be looking at ‘will they be able to be in the team for the 2027 World Cup? Will they be able to make the kind of contributions they have been making?’. That will be the thought process of the selection committee. If the selection committee thinks ‘yes, they can’, then both of them will be there for that. No, I don’t think they will be playing. I am being very honest. But, who knows, in the next year or so, if they strike a rich vein of form, and if they keep scoring hundreds and hundreds, even God can’t drop them,” Gavaskar told Sports Today.
Also Read –Asia Cup 2025: ‘How do you drop a guy with 165 SR?’ – Jaiswal’s axing sparks debate
