New Delhi: The future of India’s ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma in international cricket looks bleak after the Board of Cricket of Control in India (BCCI) reportedly told the veteran batter to clarify his future plans after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Rohit retired from the T20 format after leading India to a historic win at the T20 World Cup last year and his decision to sit out of the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney last month indicated his days are numbered in Test cricket too.
The seasoned opener, who captained India in a thrilling yet heartbreaking home ODI World Cup 2023 campaign, where the Men In Blue, undefeated till the semis, lost the final against Australia, has now been told by the Indian cricket board to help the team through a smooth transition as part of long-term plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
End of the road for Rohit Sharma?
As per a report in the Times of India, the BCCI wants to plan for the future both in ODIs and Tests and need clarity on Rohit’s plans. With an eye on the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the ODI World Cup in 2027, BCCI wants to appoint a stable captain for the long-term benefit of the team and has asked Rohit to spell out his plans. Virat Kohli, another under-pressure seasoned batter, has reportedly been given a longer leash.
“The selectors and people on the board had this discussion with Rohit around the time of the last selection meeting. He has been told that he needs to decide how he wants to plan his future after the Champions Trophy. The team management has certain plans going into the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the ODI World Cup. They want to ensure everyone is on the same page for a smoother transition,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by the TOI paper.
Potential captaincy candidates
In Test matches, Jasprit Bumrah is the top candidate for the leadership role. Bumrah led India to win in the Perth Test – the team’s only victory in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, the pacer’s fitness could force BCCI to consider a different long-term option.
Shubman Gill, the vice-captain for India in the England ODI series, is another candidate but he needs to work on his form tom instill confidence in BCCI. Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal are also considered as possible options for future leadership roles.
Rohit Sharma, who has already retired from T20I cricket and looks unlikely to feature in the Test team, has been given a clear-cut message by the BCCI ahead of the England ODI series and ICC Champions Trophy. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
