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Reports are rife that the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final, which is being played between India and New Zealand at DICS in Dubai on Sunday, March 9, could be Rohit Sharma’s last in the 50-over format. However, the 37-year-old along with several members of the Indian team haven’t clarified on the same, several former cricketers have shunned the reports.
Although, it is to be seen that Rohit Sharma is in his last phase of cricketing career after already calling it quits in the T20 format. The 37-year-old’s Test captaincy also came into the radar after the recent debacle in Australia and home series against New Zealand. Apart from this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 as the final test for Rohit and head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Hardik Pandya likely to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s new ODI captain after latter’s retirement
However, the Indian skipper has led his team ably in the Champions Trophy, helping them reach the final, a report has revealed that it could be his last if India loses the final in Dubai against New Zealand. It also added that if India finishes on the losing side, Rohit Sharma might take a call on his future with Hardik Pandya replacing him.
As per a Dainik Jagran report citing BCCI sources, Rohit Sharma will retire from ODI cricket if India loses the Champions Trophy. However, it isn’t clear what will happen if India manages to clinch the title. Furthermore, the report also added that in case India wins the tournament, Rohit Sharma could step down from captaincy, seeing that the next ICC ODI World Cup is scheduled to be played in 2027.
There is another perspective attached to it as Shubman Gill, who is currently the vice-captain of the side, could also be seen leading the Indian team in the 50-over format. Earlier, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee snubbed Hardik Pandya from the T20I leadership role citing all-rounder’s frequent injuries.
