Earlier this month, the BCCI selectors removed Rohit Sharma as ODI skipper. Despite leading India to the Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, the 38-year-old was not considered for the leadership role when the selectors sit together to pick the ODI squad for the three-match series against Australia, set to begin on October 19 in Perth.
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.
The Australia tour comes at a significant juncture in Rohit’s career amidst rumours of farewell from the international arena.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, at the time of the announcement of the ODI squad, had remained non-committal on Rohit and Virat Kohli being part of India's scheme of things for the 2027 ODI World Cup, despite their selection for the tour Down Under.
Nonetheless, Rohit Sharma has vowed to play the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, dispelling doubts about his future in the ODI format.
Speaking to a Make-A-Wish child in a now-viral video, Rohit expressed his desire to help India lift the one trophy that has eluded him so far.
“I will play in October. On the 19th of October, we are playing in Australia," Rohit replied to a kid on being asked about his next international appearance.
Another kid then asks Rohit when the next World Cup will be and whether he’d play in it.
“I want to," Rohit said.
The boy insists that he wants to see Rohit bat. “There are a lot of matches before the World Cup," the former India captain responded.
When pressed about his dream to win the World Cup by another kid present, Rohit gave a simple ‘Yes’ with a smile.
Rohit Sharma came close to ODI World Cup glory in 2023, when he led a dominant Indian side all the way to the final before suffering a painful loss to Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Rohit 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.
