Rohit Sharma eyes 2027 ODI World Cup, says 'unfinished business'
Rohit Sharma reveals his motivation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, citing unfinished business after India's 2023 final heartbreak.
Indian cricket legend Rohit Sharma has made his intentions crystal clear: he is not done with One Day International (ODI) cricket just yet. Despite stepping away from the Test and T20I formats, the veteran batter is setting his sights on the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, driven by a deep sense of unfinished business.
Speaking ahead of India's upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, the prolific opener expressed that his hunger for the game remains as strong as ever. For Sharma, the allure of major ICC tournaments provides a unique motivation that keeps him striving for excellence on the field.
The Drive for ICC Glory
While Rohit has tasted immense success in the shortest format, having been part of India's T20I World Cup triumphs in 2007 and 2024, the ultimate prize in the 50-over format has remained elusive. The heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final at Ahmedabad, where India fell to Australia, remains a significant chapter in his career.
“The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished,” Rohit stated. “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.”
He further elaborated on why ICC tournaments hold such a special place in a cricketer's heart, noting that the shifting landscapes of different venues and the variety of opponents require a completely different mental and tactical approach.
A Legendary Statistical Record
At 39, Rohit Sharma continues to be one of the most formidable forces in ODI cricket. His statistical footprint is nothing short of extraordinary:
- Total ODI Runs: 11,895 runs across 288 matches.
- Centuries: 34 hundreds.
- Fifties: 62 half-centuries.
- Batting Average: 48.
- Strike Rate: 93.
- World Record: Holds the highest individual score in men's ODI history with a staggering 264 against Sri Lanka.
- Double Centuries: The only batter to have achieved three double-centuries in the format.
Road to 2027: The Journey Ahead
The 2027 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 4 to November 21, represents the next major milestone for the Indian batting maestro. To prepare for this global showdown, India has a packed schedule ahead.
The immediate focus is the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting this Sunday at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Following this, India will head to New Zealand for five ODIs, followed by a series against Sri Lanka, and a tour of Zimbabwe in early 2027.
India's ODI squad for the West Indies series:
Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Auqib Nabi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Naman Dhir.