Rohit Sharma keeps 2027 World Cup target after Lord’s century
The former India captain said he remains focused on batting for India after scoring 138 in a series defeat to England.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
2 min read
Rohit Sharma has pushed back against speculation about his India future after scoring a century in the one-day international series finale against England, Reuters reported. The comments matter because the 39-year-old former captain has said he wants to play at the 2027 ICC World Cup.
Sharma made 138 from 110 balls at Lord’s on Sunday as India tried to chase down England in the third ODI, according to Reuters. India lost the match and conceded the three-game series 2-1.
Reports before and around the game had suggested the Lord’s ODI could be Sharma’s final appearance for India, Reuters reported. His innings ended a run of 11 ODIs without a hundred, a stretch that had added to debate about his place in the side before next year’s World Cup.
Sharma addressed the speculation in an interview published on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s website. He said his role remains to bat for India and help the team.
“My job is with the bat, come and play, represent my country, represent my team,” Sharma said in the BCCI interview. He added that he had been given that responsibility from the start of his international career and intended to keep doing it.
Sharma said outside debate has followed him since his debut and would continue for as long as he plays. He said his attention is on what he can do on the field and on contributing to team results.
Reuters reported that India’s team management has continued to back Sharma despite the questions over his form. His latest hundred came as he seeks to remain part of India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup, which is scheduled to be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
India’s next fixtures
India’s immediate schedule shifts away from ODIs after the series defeat in England, according to Reuters. The team next travels to Zimbabwe for a three-match Twenty20 International series running from Thursday through Sunday.
India are then due to tour Sri Lanka for a Test series next month, Reuters reported. Sharma’s comments leave his international future framed around performance rather than retirement talk, with the next ODI World Cup still part of his stated plans.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.