Rohit Sharma's Childhood Coach Makes Huge Prediction: 'May Retire from Tests but Will 100% Play 2027 ODI World Cup'

Rohit Sharma’s decision to retire from the shortest format of the game sent shockwaves among the fans. The Indian skipper hung his boots after leading his team to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final. While addressing the press post historic win, Rohit announced his retirement, hinting that he might bid adieu to the other two formats – Tests & ODIs – as well. However, his childhood coach Dinesh Lad feels his former student would play till the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Speaking with Dainik Jagran, Lad opined that Rohit might draw curtains to his Test career as well after the World Test Championship final next year. However, the Mumbai batter won’t leave playing ODIs until the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

“No, look I am not saying that Rohit Sharma will announce his retirement after the World Test Championship, maybe he will. Because as his age is increasing, it seems that he may retire from Tests,” the leading Hindi daily quoted Rohit’s former coach as saying.

“The reason for this may also be that he wants to keep himself fit for ODI cricket. However, I promise 100 percent that Rohit Sharma will play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. The type of cricket Rohit is playing is unbelievable,” he added.

‘I’m Still Young’: Rohit Sharma

In a recent interaction with fitness influencer Jitendra Chouskey on the latter’s YouTube channel FITTR, Rohit said he could very well play all three formats but he has had his time and now, the younger generation should get the opportunity to do well for India.

“The only reason I retired from T20Is was I have had my time.  I enjoyed playing the format. I played it for 17 years. We won the World Cup and that was the best time for me to decide that, ‘Okay. It’s time to move on and look after other things,” Rohit said.

“There are several talented players who can do well for India. I just felt that was the right time. I could still play all three formats for India easily. That’s why I said, fitness is in your mind. I’m a person with self-belief. I can control my mind when I have to. Sometimes it is not easy but most of the time I can do that,” he added.