Can Rohit Sharma play until ODI World Cup 2027? - Know reality behind his fitness & form

Published - 18 Oct 2025, 16:37 IST | Updated - 18 Oct 2025, 16:37 IST

Batting stalwart Rohit Sharma’s recent transformation has grabbed headlines after talks about him being part of India's plans for the 2027 World Cup. As the Men in Blue gear up for their three-match ODI series against Australia beginning October 19 in Perth, all eyes will once again be on the duo of Rohit and Virat Kohli, who return to the 50-over format after seven months. With him set to don the Indian blue once again, many are wondering, can he realistically continue till the 2027 ODI World Cup?

Can Rohit Sharma play until ODI World Cup 2027? - Know reality behind his fitness & form. The upcoming series against Australia will be his first international appearance since leading India to the 2025 Champions Trophy win.

While speculation is increasing about his fitness and future, Rohit's stunning physical transformation in a viral “before and after” picture from the Champions Trophy to now has gained immense praise. The new version of Rohit is a result of 12 intense weeks of training under his long-time friend and mentor, Abhishek Nayar.

Rohit Sharma Feb 2025 Oct 2025

The former India assistant coach revealed that Rohit was not happy with the criticism and trolling he received after airport photos went viral earlier this year. He revealed, Rohit adopted a strict training routine and lost nearly 10 kilograms of weight loss.

“That was the thought process. Those 12 weeks were about making a difference in how people perceived him. There was a lot of talk about him putting on weight, and a few images of him at the airport circulated, so it was about changing that perception. In many ways, it was about becoming healthier, faster, and fitter — and that’s where the journey began. Initially, we realised that there were 12 weeks before the Australia series. The thought process was to do something different. Since we had time on our hands, it wasn’t about maintaining — it was about growth. Growth in terms of his physical structure and his movements. How he viewed himself, how he looked in the mirror — and getting to a place where he felt fitter and could move faster and more swiftly on the field, even with the bat,” he said on Star Sports.

Meanwhile, in a recent interaction with a Make-A-Wish Foundation child, when asked if he would play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rohit replied, “Yes, I want to play.”

With Shubman Gill taking over as ODI captain, the focus is on building a team for the future. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar has admitted that the 2027 World Cup plans might see younger players step up by then. However, the current management under Gautam Gambhir believes in balancing experience with youth.

Physically, Rohit’s transformation suggests he’s willing to play at the highest level. With over 11,000 ODI runs and numerous records within reach, including the chance to surpass Sourav Ganguly’s tally and break Shahid Afridi’s six-hitting record, Rohit has every reason to keep pushing.