Under Rohit Sharma, India exited in 2022 T02 World Cup semifinals and lost in the finals of World Test Championship and ODI World Cup.
New Delhi: India captain Rohit Sharma has no plans to bid adieu to cricket in the next two to three years and wants to win the World Cup badly. Having made his debut in 2007, the 36-year-old has a T20 World Cup champion’s medal on his cabinet but is yet to win an ODI World Cup trophy. While he wasn’t a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning Indian team, the coveted trophy eluded him on two more occasions – in 2019 (exited in semifinals) and 2023 (lost in final). Notably, Rohit was the captain when India lost to Australia last year in the summit clash at home.
Notably, Rohit was also the captain of the Indian team when the Men in Blue lost to England in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinals and to Australia in the 2023 World Test Championship final. “I’m still playing well at this point so I’m thinking I’m going to continue for a few more years.
“I really want to win that World Cup. There’s also a WTC Final at Lord’s in 2025 as well, hopefully, we make it there in the finals,” said Rohit in an episode of Breakfast With Champions, which also featured famous British singer Ed Sheeran. Rohit’s comments indicated he wants to play the 2027 ODI World Cup which will be hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Currently playing for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing Indian Premier League, Rohit has another major task at hand, leading India at the T20 World Cup 2024 in USA and West Indies. But for Rohit the 50-over World Cup is ultimate.
“50 Over World Cup is actual World Cup for me. We’ve grown up watching the 50 Over World Cup,” added the India opener. Having led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles, Rohit was made India’s all-format captain in 2021 after Virat Kohli decided to step down.
Since then, Rohit has led by example, writing a new chapter in Indian cricket with head coach and former skipper Rahul Dravid. Besides the WTC 2023-25 final at Lord’s next year, Rohit will have another chance to win an ICC silverware at the Champions Trophy that is set to take place in Pakistan.
Asked about the toughest stadium to play cricket, Rohit was quick to point at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. “MCG is the most toughest stadium and toughest ground to play cricket and also most intimidating stadium to play cricket,” he added.