Rohit Sharma Retirement from ODIs: A Shocking Decision After Champions Trophy 2025?
Indian cricket great Rohit Sharma is reportedly considering retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai. Rohit, aged 37, has already retired from T20 Internationals after India's successful T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. If India fails to win the Champions Trophy 2025, Rohit's retirement from ODIs would mark the end of an era for Indian cricket.
Rohit Sharma's Legacy in Indian Cricket
Rohit Sharma has been one of the all-time greats of Indian cricket. Popularly known as the "Hitman," he has many records to his credit, including:
- The highest single score in an ODI (264 runs).
- The sole player to have hit three double centuries in ODIs.
- Led India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 as captain.
The make-or-break moment came during the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, when his unsealed 50 against South Africa during the Super Eight phase secured India their historic triumph.
Champions Trophy 2025 Final: A Make-or-Break Moment
There are indications that the BCCI is waiting for the outcome of the Champions Trophy 2025 final to decide on Rohit Sharma as captain. A decent performance can extend his ODI career, but loss can bring about the transition earlier.
According to a report by the Times of India, the BCCI will also choose new central contracts keeping in view the Champions Trophy performance. That is, the final match can not only decide India's fate but the team's fate as well.
Who Will Replace Rohit Sharma As India's ODI Captain?
If Rohit Sharma wants to retire, India requires a new ODI cricket captain. The following are the most suitable choices:
1. Hardik Pandya – The Frontrunner
- India's vice-captain for white-ball cricket until the T20 World Cup 2024.
- Proven skill to perform under pressure in high-pressure matches.
- Experience of captaining teams in the IPL and international cricket.
2. Shubman Gill – The Promising Candidate
- Can be seen as a future leader but can wait for a little more experience before being thought of for ODI captaincy.
- Has been consistently good in all three formats.
- BCCI can consider him as an investment for the long term.
Sunil Gavaskar's Advice to Rohit Sharma
Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar was recently discussing Rohit Sharma's batting style and how he needs to focus on building longer innings instead of seeking attacking starts. According to Gavaskar, if Rohit plays longer innings, India will be more likely to score huge totals.
India's Cricket Schedule For The Future
- June 2025: India's next major Test series against England.
- 2027 ODI World Cup: The next major ODI tournament.
If Rohit Sharma decides to retire after the Champions Trophy 2025, this will be the make-or-break moment for India to transition to a new captaincy era.
Conclusion: The End of an Era for Indian Cricket?
Rohit Sharma's potential retirement from ODIs is a game-changer in Indian cricket. His leadership has led India to monumental success, including a T20 World Cup win and multiple ODI match performances etched forever in history. With India preparing for the Champions Trophy 2025 final, all eyes will be on if the "Hitman" can win one last trophy before saying goodbye to the ODI format.
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✅ Rohit Sharma retirement news
✅ Champions Trophy 2025 final
✅ India cricket team latest news
✅ Rohit Sharma ODI captaincy
✅ Hardik Pandya next India captain
✅ Sunil Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma
✅ ICC Champions Trophy 2025
