Rohit is all set to make his international comeback on the tour of Australia.
With the ODI World Cup scheduled in two years’ time, the baton was passed over to Shubman Gill, who was also named the Test skipper following Rohit's retirement in May 2025.
Speculations are rife that the Indian board isn’t sure about Rohit Sharma making it to the quadrennial event at the age of 40. Meanwhile, Rohit has looked fitter and quite slim in all of his public appearances in recent times, showing his keenness to keep the World Cup dreams alive.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik said Rohit still has unfinished business in the 50-over format and remains determined to lift that coveted trophy.
“I think from the moment he lost that 2023 World Cup final, his dream was to be a captain of a team that wins a World Cup — which he achieved in 2024 in the Caribbean. That fire is still burning, and he wants to win the 50-over World Cup,” Karthik said.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Rohit Sharma has now become one-format player. The three-match ODI series against Australia will mark his return to international cricket for the first time since March 2025.
Karthik believes that a fresh and fit Rohit at the top of the order can make a huge difference for India.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Rohit Sharma the batter,” Karthik said. “When he is in form, he’s absolutely poetry in motion — especially in the powerplay, when he takes on bowlers fearlessly and sets up a solid platform for the rest of the innings.”
Rohit’s batting in the 2023 World Cup was one of the defining stories of the tournament. He adopted an attacking approach that saw him taking bowling attacks to cleaners at the top of the order.
Although the Men in Blue lost the final to Australia, Rohit’s selflessness drew him praise from all quarters.
“Rohit has evolved beautifully. He’s not just playing for milestones anymore — he’s setting the tone for the team. That kind of selfless intent has been refreshing to see. Even in that World Cup final, the way he batted up front showed what he brings to Indian cricket,” Karthik said.
“I have no doubt that Rohit Sharma the batter will be extremely valuable. It’s going to be a World Cup in South Africa in 2027 — yes, it’s a long way away, but if he puts his mind to it, which he has, and continues working on his fitness, he’ll be ready. He’s going to come back after a bit of a break — something he probably hasn’t had in his career — and that will make him fresh and hungry again,” he further remarked.