Ex-India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believed that it is “highly unlikely” that Rohit Sharma would be a member of the 2027 Cricket World Cup team. He speculates that Rohit’s last ICC tournament may be the ongoing Champions Trophy since, at the age of 37, and with the next 50-over World Cup lined up for 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, he might not take his international career so long.

Rohit Sharma’s Recent Form

Rohit Sharma has had issues with his form in the recent past, struggling during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia and going through a grueling series against New Zealand. He then made a robust comeback, hitting a century in the second ODI against England last month, rekindling hopes before the Champions Trophy.

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Commenting on ESPNcricinfo’s Matchday show, Manjrekar said, “I believe it’s very unlikely that he’ll be playing for the 2027 World Cup, so this may indeed be his last ICC tournament.”

Rohit’s Commitment to Champions Trophy

Manjrekar believes Rohit will aim to make a statement in this tournament, given his reputation as a world-class batter. “I’m expecting Rohit Sharma to go out there and play with freedom. He’s a quality batter, and he should play with confidence,” he added.

Before India’s vital game versus Pakistan, Rohit has already proved promising by posting a promising 41-run score in India’s opening fixture against Bangladesh while registering a pivotal 69-run stand with Shubman Gill.

Admiration for Rohit’s Leadership and Selflessness

Manjrekar also acknowledged Rohit’s leadership, attributing his selflessness in gifting the team good starts. “In the 2023 World Cup, Rohit became extremely popular because of his selflessness—he might have gone out and scored heavily but instead insisted on giving the team a strong foundation, clearing the way for the middle-order and lower-order batsmen,” said Manjrekar.

Kumble Emphasizes Rohit’s Aggressive Instinct

Preeminent former India skipper Anil Kumble shared similar views that Rohit would keep playing his natural attacking game. “He’s an aggressive batter by nature and will try to take control of the first 10 overs. He’s not the kind of player who keeps anything in reserve. Even if the field opens out, if there is a ball to be hit, he’ll hit it,” said Kumble.

Kumble went on to say that Rohit’s attacking style has cemented his place as one of international cricket’s most potent six-hitters. His skippering abilities guarantee that he will keep playing his natural game, no matter the form he is in. “He’s the captain of this team and will play from ball one, as he always does in white-ball cricket,” Kumble added.

While speculations remain on Rohit’s international future, the Champions Trophy could become the ideal platform for him to leave an everlasting legacy.