Job isn't finished: Rohit Sharma makes World Cup 2027 ambitions clear

Rohit Sharma has made his World Cup ambitions crystal clear, saying the thought of his career being finished never crosses his mind. Rohit is getting himself ready for the ODI series against the West Indies but it will happen on the backdrop of questions being raised about his future.

By the time the 2027 World Cup rolls around, he will be 40, with ODI cricket now the only international format in which he remains active. He has already called time on his Test and T20I careers. The next 50-over World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with the tournament scheduled from October 4 to November 21, 2027.

Questions over Rohit’s long-term future in India’s ODI setup have intensified in recent weeks. Reports have indicated that the selectors could explore a change at the top ahead of the team’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup.

The BCCI, however, has sought to put those reports to rest. Following the board’s review meeting recently, secretary Devajit Saikia publicly backed the veteran opener, highlighting Rohit’s recent contributions while casting doubt on the speculation about his place in India’s plans.

Speaking to JioHotstar, Rohit said that as long as he is playing, he will always be looking forward to the upcoming World Cup and what lies ahead for him.

"The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished. As long as you're playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I'm looking forward to the World Cup, looking at what lies ahead for me," said Rohit.

Rohit was the captain during the 2023 edition of the World Cup in India and took his side all the way to the final. Unlike the previous editions he played, Rohit adopted a selfless approach when it came to his batting, often attacking the bowlers early.

The former Indian skipper said that the preparation for the World Cup will always be different as the tournament will come with its own set of challenges.

"When the World Cup is played, when we play an ICC tournament, it has its own unique challenge, because you face different opponents, you play at different venues. So, you have to prepare differently, think in a different way and that is the challenge," said Rohit.

India will face West Indies in the first ODI on Sunday, September 27.- Ends