Rohit Sharma will be 41 during 2027 World Cup: Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has supported the BCCI’s decision to hand over the ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill ahead of India’s upcoming tour of Australia. The move, according to Uthappa, is both timely and strategic — considering Rohit Sharma will be 41 by the time the 2027 ODI World Cup arrives.
The BCCI recently announced squads for the Australia tour, starting October 19, featuring three ODIs and five T20Is. While Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to international action after the Champions Trophy 2025 final, Rohit will not lead the ODI side this time, as Gill takes charge with Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Uthappa explained the logic behind the timing of the captaincy shift:
“He’s going to be, in all honesty, 41 when that World Cup comes around. You have to keep that in mind. It’s better to take such a decision when the stakes are low rather than during a crucial tournament. You don’t want another situation like what happened in Australia,” Uthappa said.
Sources confirmed that Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar personally informed Rohit about the management’s long-term plan to transition leadership, allowing Gill enough time to settle before the next World Cup.
Gill’s main focus will now be on preparing India for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, with around 20 ODIs lined up before the tournament.
Uthappa also praised Rohit’s contribution and hoped for his continued fitness.
“Rohit Sharma is too good a player for something unfortunate to happen again. This move might be to avoid uncomfortable scenarios. If he stays fit, there’s no question about his place — both Rohit and Virat will definitely be part of the side,” he added.
He further explained that age-related reflexes could become a factor but backed Rohit to maintain his form.
“It’s not about form, but reflexes. They aren’t playing too much cricket lately — mostly IPL, One-Day matches, and maybe some domestic cricket if possible,” he remarked.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma selection for Australia tour sparks debate after ODI captaincy removal
Under Rohit Sharma’s ODI captaincy, India played 56 matches, winning 42, losing 12, with one no-result and one tie — a remarkable 75% win rate. His leadership saw India win the Asia Cup in 2018 and 2023, reach the 2023 ICC World Cup final, and lift the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai.
Rohit’s first major milestone as ODI captain came in 2018, when he led India to the Asia Cup title, scoring 317 runs in five innings at an average of 105.66, including a century and two fifties.
Since becoming full-time captain in 2022, Rohit guided India to 34 wins out of 46 ODIs, scoring 1,963 runs in 45 matches at an average of 47.87 and a strike rate of 116.84, with three centuries and 15 fifties to his name.
With the leadership baton now passed to Shubman Gill, India aims to build a youthful yet experienced team to bring home the 2027 World Cup, while Rohit Sharma’s legacy as one of India’s finest ODI captains remains firmly intact.
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