Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma continues to write his own story. At 39, the former India captain is still answering questions with his bat and keeping everyone guessing about the future.

Just weeks after India’s ODI series loss in England, the Hitman produced one of his finest knocks. Chasing 388 at Lord’s, he smashed 138 off 110 balls with 17 fours and five sixes. It was the first ODI century by an Indian at the famous ground. India fell short by 27 runs and lost the series 2-1, but Rohit’s innings changed the conversation.

Retirement rumours had grown loud before that match. Some reports suggested selectors had told him they were looking at younger openers for the 2027 World Cup. Rohit later said outside noise never affects him. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia went further after a review meeting in Mumbai. “He is playing superbly in all matches. He scored 138 in the last match. So why is there speculation?” Saikia asked. The board made it clear Rohit remains part of the ODI plans.

Now the focus shifts to home. Rohit has already begun training for the three-match ODI series against West Indies. The games are set for September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, September 30 in Guwahati, and October 3 in New Chandigarh. Team Ro, the media handle linked to him, shared the update. After a solid England series that brought him 175 runs at an average of 58, the veteran looks ready for more.

When asked about the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Rohit stayed calm. “October 2027 is far away; we will see about it then,” he said at a recent event. He has already retired from T20Is after lifting the 2024 title as captain and from Tests in 2025. ODIs remain the format where he still wants to contribute.

Beyond cricket, a new chapter begins. Rohit will host Sony’s family entertainment show Family Full House, set to premiere on September 19. It marks his first major step into television while he continues playing.

From a modest childhood in Mumbai’s Borivali, raised largely by grandparents while his parents lived in a single room in Dombivli, Rohit has come a long way. Coach Dinesh Lad spotted him as a young off-spinner and turned him into an opener. The rest is history: three ODI double centuries including the world-record 264, five centuries in the 2019 World Cup, successful IPL captaincy with Mumbai Indians, and major ICC titles as both player and leader.

Fans still call him the Hitman for a reason. He times the ball beautifully, clears the ropes with ease, and stays calm under pressure. Whether he plays in 2027 or not, his place among India’s greats is secure.