Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian cricket team, has been making headlines ever since Team India won the T20 World Cup earlier this year. After his announcement of retirement from T20I cricket following that victory, speculations about his future in ODIs and Test cricket have been circulating widely. Many fans are questioning whether the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final could be his last appearance in these formats. Amidst all this, Rohit’s childhood coach, Dinesh Lad, has come forward to clarify these rumors.
Coach Dinesh Lad Addresses Retirement Rumors
In an interview with Dainik Jagran, Dinesh Lad, who has been a guiding force in Rohit’s career since his early days, refuted claims that Rohit will retire after the WTC final. While he did not completely rule out the possibility, Lad expressed his belief that Rohit’s focus is on staying fit and competitive for ODI cricket.
Lad said, “I’m not saying that Rohit will definitely retire after the World Test Championship final. But considering his age, it is possible that he might step down from Test cricket. His priority could shift towards ODIs, where he might want to ensure he remains fit and ready for the next World Cup.”
This statement has brought relief to many fans who are hopeful that Rohit will continue to lead the Indian cricket team for years to come.
Will Rohit Play in the 2027 ODI World Cup?
The biggest question on everyone’s mind is whether Rohit Sharma will be part of the 2027 ODI World Cup squad. By the time the tournament comes around, Rohit will be 39, and if it takes place between September and November, he will be nearing 40. Maintaining peak fitness at that age is undoubtedly challenging, but his coach remains optimistic.
Lad confidently said, “Rohit Sharma will play in the 2027 World Cup. The way he is playing right now is phenomenal, and I believe he will continue to perform at a high level.”
Given Rohit’s incredible record in the 2023 World Cup, where he scored 597 runs in 11 matches with an average of 54.27, his coach’s belief in him playing the 2027 edition doesn’t seem far-fetched. However, as Lad hinted, much will depend on Rohit’s ability to manage his fitness and workload over the coming years.
Rohit’s 2023 World Cup Journey and Setback
Reflecting on the recent World Cup, Dinesh Lad also touched upon Rohit’s disappointment after losing in the 2023 final. Team India had an exceptional run, winning 10 consecutive matches but falling short in the final. Lad revealed that Rohit was quite nervous and disappointed after the final, especially after such a dominant performance throughout the tournament.
“Rohit was batting with great positivity during the entire World Cup. He only became nervous after the loss in the final because the team had come so far. His early dismissal in the final was a big setback,” said Lad.
Despite the heartbreak, Lad emphasized that Rohit’s determination to represent the country remains strong. “He always wants to play for his country, and he is prepared for future challenges,” added the coach.
What Lies Ahead for Rohit Sharma?
As Team India prepares for upcoming tournaments and challenges, the rumors surrounding Rohit Sharma’s retirement continue to swirl. While the final decision will rest with the cricketer himself, one thing is clear: his passion for the game remains as strong as ever.
For now, fans can rest assured that Rohit is still very much a part of the Indian cricket landscape, with his eyes set on more achievements. Whether he continues in Test cricket or shifts his focus entirely to ODIs, his legacy as one of India’s finest cricketers is firmly established.
