Champions Trophy 2025 final result to play key role in Rohit Sharma’s ODI captaincy, BCCI contracts: Report – Firstpost

The Indian cricket team’s Champion Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand is reportedly set to have massive repercussions on the future ODI team. As per a media report, India winning or losing the
Champion Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand will influence how the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decides to go ahead with Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in ODIs and the preparation for the 2027 World Cup, which is only two years away.

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If India win the Champion Trophy 2025 final, then the board and selectors are set to have some tough discussions over Rohit’s captaincy as they are aiming to have a consistent leadership strategy leading into the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The
Champions Trophy 2025 final and its eventual outcome are also major reasons why the BCCI has still not released its annual contracts, which are generally announced ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The IPL 2025 starts on 22 March.

Champions Trophy final could decide Rohit’s captaincy

As per a report in the Times of India, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir met with Rohit Sharma following the team’s tour of Australia. During the meeting, Rohit was said to be open to the idea of steering the team in a new direction after the Champions Trophy, recognizing the need for a clear roadmap moving forward.

“Rohit still believes there is some cricket left in him. He has been told to communicate his plans going forward. Retiring is his call but there will be another discussion around continuing with captaincy. Rohit himself understands the need to have a stable captain if the team wants to prepare for a World Cup. There have been talks with Kohli too but there doesn’t seem to be much anxiety around him,” a BCCI source told the Times of India.

The final decision on Rohit continuing as India’s ODI captain will depend on the call the 37-year-old takes after the Champions Trophy 2025 final.

“The board will wait for Rohit’s decision after the Champions Trophy. If by any chance he chooses to retire, then the board will see what needs to be done. One can’t discount the fact that he won the T20 World Cup in July and has led well in the Champions Trophy as well,” the source added.

BCCI reassessing central contracts

The BCCI is reportedly also reassessing the central contracts and the players who can be part of Grade A+.

The Grade A+ included players who are top performers across all three formats and currently comprises Rohit, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja. With Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja retiring from T20Is and the batters having a tough time in Australia, there are concerns about whether they should be handed Grade A+ contracts once again.

A Champions trophy 2025 win, however, could help them clinch the top contract.

Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant could also get promoted to the A category, while Shreyas Iyer is set to receive a contract after missing out last year due to disciplinary issues.