Australian cricket great Ricky Ponting is convinced Indian captain Rohit Sharma is targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup after dismissing retirement rumors after India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory. Ricky Ponting was his usual frank self on ICC Review, underlining that Rohit’s heroics in the final were proof of his continuing abilities and captaincy.
Many expected Rohit Sharma to announce his retirement after India defeated New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final. However, the 37-year-old made it clear that he has no plans to step away from the 50-over format.
“One more thing, I’m not going to retire from this format, just to make sure no more rumours are spread,” Rohit stated in the post-match press conference after being named Player-of-the-Match in the final.
Ricky Ponting Sees Rohit Play Until 2027 ODI World Cup
Ricky Ponting, who guided Australia to two ODI World Cups and several Champions Trophy titles, noted that Rohit’s game-winning innings of 76 in the final was an obvious reply to his detractors. The Indian captain is committed to playing the 2027 ODI World Cup, he feels.
“When you start getting to that point of your career, everyone’s waiting for you to retire,” Ricky Ponting said. “And I don’t know why, when you can still play as well as he’s played (in the final), I think he was just trying to put those questions to bed once and for all and say, ‘no, I’m still playing well enough. I love playing in this team. I love leading this team.’
“And I think, the fact that he said that, to me, it means that he must have that goal in mind of playing in the next (50-over) World Cup (in 2027).”
Unfinished Business in 50-Over Cricket
Rohit took India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking his side through a historic 10-game winning streak. But India came short in the peak clash with Australia. According to Ponting, this loss is a main stimulus for Rohit to play.
“I think probably the fact that they lost the last one and he was captain, that might be the thing that’s playing on the back of his mind,” Ponting said.
“Just have one more crack at trying to win the T20 World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the ODI World Cup.”
“I mean when you see him play like he played in the Champions Trophy final, you wouldn’t say that his time is up just yet.”
