Rohit Sharma, the ageless Indian batting maestro, has emphatically declared his intention to remain a dominant force in
One Day International (ODI) cricket. This announcement comes on the heels of a remarkable 2025 season where the
38-year-old Mumbai native cemented his place as the world's top-ranked ODI batter. Sharma's resurgence is particularly
noteworthy given the challenges and doubts he faced prior to his stellar run.
In 2025, Sharma participated in all 14 of India's ODI matches, amassing an impressive 650 runs. His consistent
performance included two centuries and four half-centuries, showcasing his enduring skill and adaptability. This period
of high performance culminated in Sharma being named Player of the Series in India’s away series against Australia in
October 2025, a feat that propelled him to the coveted No. 1 position in the ODI batter rankings for the first time in
The significance of Sharma's 2025 season extends beyond individual accolades. Prior to the series against Australia, his
future in international cricket was under scrutiny. He had been removed from the ODI captaincy despite leading the team
to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy – a prestigious tournament featuring the top eight ODI teams in the world.
Winning the Champions Trophy is considered a major achievement, demonstrating a team's ability to perform under pressure
in a high-stakes environment. Sharma's subsequent performance in Australia served as a powerful statement, silencing
critics and reaffirming his value to the Indian team. He further solidified his form in the subsequent home series
against South Africa, contributing valuable half-centuries.
Sharma recently addressed his future plans at an event in Gurugram, drawing an analogy to an airplane reaching cruising
altitude. He expressed his desire to remain at that "altitude" for as long as possible, indicating his commitment to
maintaining his peak performance and contributing to the Indian team's success. This ambition will next be tested in a
3-match ODI series against New Zealand.
Currently playing for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a domestic List A cricket tournament in India, Sharma's
continued participation in domestic cricket underscores his dedication to the sport and his desire to remain match-fit
and competitive. His presence in the Vijay Hazare Trophy provides valuable experience and mentorship to younger players,
further highlighting his role as a leader within Indian cricket.
Why it matters: Rohit Sharma's continued presence and success in ODI cricket are crucial for India's chances in major
international tournaments. His experience, leadership, and consistent run-scoring ability make him an invaluable asset
to the team. Furthermore, his resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and
fans alike. As he embarks on another chapter in his career, all eyes will be on Sharma to see if he can maintain his
dominance and lead India to further glory on the world stage.