Rohit Sharma Reveals Near Retirement After 2023 World Cup Heartbreak, Fuels 2027 Ambitions

In a candid revelation, Rohit Sharma, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, has disclosed that he seriously contemplated retiring from the sport following India's devastating loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final. Speaking at a Masters Union event on Sunday, December 21, 2025, Sharma described the emotional toll the defeat took, stating that he "felt that the sport had taken everything out of me." This admission sheds light on the immense pressure and expectations placed on athletes at the highest level of competition.

The 2023 World Cup, held on home soil, saw India dominate the group stage, winning all nine of their matches leading up to the final. The nation was swept up in World Cup fever, fully expecting the home side to lift the trophy. Under Sharma's leadership, the team appeared unstoppable. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium proved to be a different story. Australia, led by a brilliant century from Travis Head, defeated India, silencing the roaring home crowd and crushing the dreams of a billion fans.

Sharma's comments underscore the profound disappointment felt not only by the team but by the entire nation. "After 2023 World Cup final, I was completed distraught and felt like I didn't want to play this sport anymore because it had taken everything out of me and I felt I had nothing left," Sharma confessed. This feeling of emptiness is not uncommon among athletes who dedicate years of their lives to a singular goal, only to fall short at the final hurdle.

Despite the intense disappointment, Sharma found the resolve to continue. He explained, "It took some time and I kept reminding myself that this is something I truly love, that it was right in front of me, and I couldn't let it go so easy. Slowly, I found my way back, regaining the energy and getting myself moving again on the field." This resilience is a testament to Sharma's character and his enduring passion for cricket.

Since the 2023 World Cup, Sharma has experienced both highs and lows in his career. While he led India to victory in the T20 World Cup in the Americas less than a year after the shattering loss, he has also stepped down from T20Is and Tests and was removed from ODI captaincy earlier in 2025. Despite these changes, Sharma remains committed to the 50-over format, with his sights set on the 2027 World Cup.

"My only goal was to win the World Cup, whether it was the T20 World Cup or the 2023 World Cup. So when it didn't happen, I was completely devastated. There was no energy left in my body. It took me a couple of months to recover and bring myself back," said Sharma. This unwavering ambition provides context to his decision to continue playing, even after experiencing such a significant setback.

Sharma's story is a reminder of the emotional rollercoaster that athletes endure. The pressure to perform, the weight of expectations, and the disappointment of defeat can take a significant toll. His willingness to share his experience offers valuable insights into the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level and provides a powerful message of resilience and perseverance. His continued pursuit of the 2027 World Cup demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the sport and provides fans with something to look forward to. His journey serves as an inspiration, illustrating how to navigate setbacks and strive for future success. This narrative of near-retirement and renewed ambition is sure to resonate with sports fans worldwide.

Editor’s note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.