Saturday, March 29, 2025
Indian cricket star Rohit Sharma has spoken publicly for the first time about his plans for One Day International (ODI) retirement. In a recent interview, he made it clear that he will retire the day he feels unable to contribute to the team.
Rohit has already retired from T20 Internationals after India’s 2024 World Cup win. Earlier this year, he also stepped away from Test cricket. However, he confirmed that he will continue playing ODIs for now.
“I know exactly when to walk away,” Rohit said in an interview with sports journalist Vimal Kumar. “If I feel I can’t deliver for the team anymore, I will quit. But that time hasn’t come yet.”
Rohit explained how his ODI batting strategy has changed with experience. “Earlier, I would play 30 balls and score only 10 runs in the first 10 overs,” he said. “Now, if I face 20 balls, I aim for 30 to 40 runs. If I accelerate early, scoring 80 in the first 10 overs is fine.”
He added that he’s already achieved many goals in his career. But now, he wants to play with a fresh mindset. “Nothing is taken lightly. Don’t think I’ll keep playing while just making 20 or 30 runs,” he said. “The day I can’t do what’s needed, I’ll stop playing.”
Rohit Sharma’s ODI stats underline his greatness. He has scored 11,168 runs in 273 matches, with an impressive average of 48.76. Under his leadership, India won the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy in early 2025.
In ICC white-ball tournaments as captain, Rohit has lost only two matches — the 2023 ODI World Cup final and the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final.
Rohit did not confirm whether he will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. For now, he remains focused on helping Team India win. His comments make it clear that retirement is not on the immediate horizon.
