Rohit Sharma Remembers Champions Trophy 2025 Victory and ODI Career Ahead

Rohit Sharma looks back at India's Champions Trophy 2025 triumph while speaking of his commitment to his ODI career in the future. The experienced batsman opens up on his future within the format. Read more of his views and future plans.

Mar 10, 2025 - 01:58
Mar 11, 2025 - 01:58
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Rohit Sharma Remembers Champions Trophy 2025 Victory and ODI Career Ahead

India cricket mentor Rohit Sharma recently guided the team to a historic victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a new golden era in his remarkable career. Since India won all of the games on their way to claiming the trophy, the focus was on 38-year-old captain's ODI future, his possible involvement in the 2027 World Cup. While speculations spread like wildfire among fans regarding his intentions, Rohit himself put an end to the smoldering rumors with characteristic calmness and honesty.

Rohit Sharma Bats Away ODI Retirement Speculation

After India's thumping win, Rohit put all retirement speculations to rest. Speaking candidly, he assured his fans that he has no plans to leave the format anytime soon.

"I am not retiring from ODIs. Just to clarify there are no unnecessary rumors—there are no specific future plans, things will continue as they are," Rohit stated.

His statement illuminated and comforted fans who had eagerly awaited his extension. Regardless of his age, the Indian skipper is driven and feels his desire to excel, coupled with the dreams of experienced players on the team, positions the team firmly.

"About five or six of the players in the team are those who have played a lot of cricket and are very keen to succeed. They make the remaining youngsters keep things much simpler for all of us," he added.

2027 World Cup-A Decision for the Future

While Rohit Sharma ended the rumors about his early retirement, he avoided making a categorical statement on the 2027 ODI World Cup. While getting questioned about his involvement, he adopted an pragmatic stance.

"I am going with the flow currently. It would not be suitable for me to think too much ahead. My priority at the moment is to play well and be in the right mindset. I don't want to comment on whether I will or won't play in the 2027 World Cup," he stated in an interview on Jio Hotstar.

His considered answer revealed that he likes living in the moment more than pondering the far future. He underscored the fact that cricket is a volatile sport, and all he ever thinks about is enjoying the game and having the team win.

India's Road to Champions Trophy Glory

India's Champions Trophy run was nothing short of brilliant. India played the tournament without a single loss, and what made this even more impressive was the fact that they had overcome adversity as well. They won the final too, by four wickets against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium.

Talking of the team's run, Rohit pointed out how they had come out on top when they lost all five tosses during the tournament.

That we won every match without ever winning a single toss is unbelievable. That's record in itself. We did not even know that we remained unbeaten till the time we held the trophy. The surprise made it all the sweeter," he said.

Planning and Team Solidarity Key to India's Triumph

Rohit attributed India's success to team unity, defined roles, and careful planning.

"We have a nicely balanced team, and it is fun playing with such dedicated people. Each person knows his place and does his job beautifully. Of course, passion does get high on the field, and I also get carried away sometimes. But at the end of the day, it is all about winning, and we do anything and everything for it," he claimed.

Preparation had also been India's success mantra. Rohit added that the team had prepared hard and thought ahead well.

"After the first tour of Australia, we had 20-25 days of rest before the tournament. We used to observe ILT20 matches to look at the pitches and conditions. That gave us a clear idea to prepare the team and determine the type of bowlers we require," he added further.

A Shift in Attitude-Learning from the Past Misadventures

Rohit Sharma admitted that India's past ICC tournament mishaps had contributed to molding their new strategy. He remembered instances when the team underperformed despite good play in previous tournaments.

"For the semifinal during the 2015 World Cup versus Australia, we committed errors that led to the loss of the game. The same for 2016, 2017, and even the final of the 2023 World Cup. Close but could not cross the finish line," he acknowledged.

The about-face was when the team focused on overall success rather than individual records.

"Before the 2023 World Cup, we used to have genuine conversations about shifting our mindset. It was no longer about individual glory—scoring a hundred or taking five wickets was of little use if the team lost. I learned it the hard way in 2019 when I scored five tons, but still, we were unable to lift the trophy," reminisced Rohit.

Setting the Standard-How India Wants to Be Perceived

Rohit Sharma is determined to assemble a group of Indians who will be worthy of respect in the international arena. He wants his rivals to dread India's tendency to make comebacks from any situation.

"I do not want to tell them how they need to think of us. But what I would like to impress upon them is never to treat us lightly. Even if they are five wickets in the lead, they must have in mind that we can turn around the game. Right till the last ball is being bowled, they should feel compelled to perform against us," he averred.

Conclusion

As Rohit Sharma keeps driving India with fire in his belly and determination in his heart, the strategy remains unchanged—live every moment, offer his best, and allow everything to follow a natural course from here onwards. Whether he appears in the 2027 World Cup or not is for destiny to decide, but this one thing is assured: Rohit's place in Indian cricket's history is set in stone and his leadership can motivate the young generation of cricketers to follow his steps.