(Image source from: AP)

Indian cricket legend Rohit Sharma has announced a significant update amidst doubts regarding his involvement in the ODI World Cup in 2027. After stepping away from T20Is and Test matches, Rohit continues to participate as an international player solely in ODIs. There has been much discussion about his future in ODIs, especially since he will be 40 when the tournament begins in 2027 across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Nonetheless, Rohit emphasized that his ambition is to win the World Cup with the team, indicating his commitment to stay fit for this prestigious event. "I certainly aim to go out there and secure the World Cup for my country; that is something I have always aspired to. I grew up watching this 50-over World Cup. There was no T20 World Cup or IPL back then, and it was the highlight of cricket happening every four years. So, there was enormous anticipation; that trophy held great significance. And yes, I genuinely desire that trophy, so I will do my utmost to work hard and achieve it," Rohit mentioned at an ICC event.

The 38-year-old ended his T20I career after India's victorious T20 World Cup journey in 2024. He also retired from Test cricket in May of the previous year. Rohit, along with fellow prominent player Virat Kohli, was moved to group B in the latest annual central contract that the BCCI issued, which also removed the existing A+ category that previously had a retainership fee of Rs 7 crore. The BCCI offered central contracts to 30 male and 21 female cricketers classified into groups A, B, and C. The cycle for new contracts is determined by performances and the number of matches played in the prior season. Two-format captain Shubman Gill, senior fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, and top Test all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja retained their positions in group A. However, the BCCI did not disclose the specific retainership amounts for the three groups.