NEW DELHI: ICC T20 World Cup – checked. ICC Champions Trophy – checked. Now, Rohit Sharma has set his sights on the ODI World Cup trophy. After leading India to the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in Barbados, Rohit, who announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday, dropped a big hint about his future plans. Having already bid farewell to T20 Internationals after last year’s World Cup win, the 38-year-old will now be seen leading India only in the ODI format.In an interview with journalist Vimal Kumar, Rohit spoke candidly about the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. The pain of that loss was still visible on his face. India had cruised into the final unbeaten, dominating the tournament, only to fall short against Australia in the title clash.

Now with retirement from both T20Is and Tests behind him, Rohit has one clear goal left—playing the 2027 ODI World Cup, to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.“Zehem mein bilkul hai (on playing ODI World Cup 2027). Bilkul [It’s definitely on my mind. Absolutely],” Rohit said.“Acha rahega agar aisa hua to (on adding the ODI World Cup to his cabinet) [It would be great if that happens],” he added.

Rohit ends his red-ball career as one of India’s most dependable batters in the latter part of his journey. He scored 4,301 runs in 67 Tests, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, at an average of 40.57.“Hello, everyone. I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites,” Rohit posted on social media.“Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” he added.