‘Retiring Is Rohit Sharma’s Call But Captaincy…’: BCCI To Decide India Star’s Future After Champions Trophy Final
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BCCI is keen on appointing a stable captain as it starts planning for the next ODI World Cup to be held in 2027.
Rohit Sharma is one win away from winning his second ICC trophy as India captain. (AP Photo)
The Champions Trophy final could play a decisive role in Rohit Sharma‘s future as India captain, according to a report. The BCCI, as part of its preparation plans for the next two years, reportedly wants a stable captain for the next ICC World Test Championship cycle (2025-27) and 2027 ODI World Cup.
While the 37-year-old Rohit has the freedom to take call on his retirement but once the Champions Trophy concludes, there will be “tough discussion” with regards to the team appointing new Test and ODI captain(s).
“Rohit still believes there is some cricket left in him,” The Times of India quoted a BCCI source as saying. “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.”
As per the report, the BCCI has also held talks with Virat Kohli.
“There have been talks with Kohli too but there doesn’t seem to be much anxiety around him,” the source said.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly held discussions with Rohit after the end of India’s Australia tour earlier this year in January.
Rohit, a veteran of 67 Tests, 272 ODIs and 159 T20Is, is hoping to win his third ICC Trophy as a player and second as captain when India face New Zealand in the final of Champions Trophy this Sunday.
In the past, MS Dhoni stepped down as ODI captain two years before the 2019 World Cup which have his successor, Kohli, enough time to ease into the role. On the other hand, Rohit took over India’s white-ball captaincy from Kolhi in 2021, nearly two years before the 2023 ODI World Cup.
India have already named Shubman Gill as ODI vice-captain giving an indication that the 25-year-old is likely to take over the reins whenever Rohit decides to step away.
