Unexpected Twist in Rohit Sharma's Test Captaincy Journey as Champions Trophy Victory Alters Course: Report

There had been a lot of talk and uncertainty surrounding Rohit's future in red-ball cricket, particularly following his struggles in India's home Test season and a difficult tour of Australia where he faced a significant loss of form. His choice to withdraw from the final Test in Sydney only added fuel to the speculation about a possible shift in leadership.

However, India’s emphatic victory in Dubai appears to have secured his position at the helm for now.

“He has shown what he can do. Every stakeholder feels that he is the right candidate to lead the Indian side for the tour of England. Rohit too has expressed his eagerness to keep playing red-ball cricket,” a source told The Indian Express.

Rohit himself has not explicitly outlined his long-term plans but has made it clear that he is relishing his current role in the team. Shortly after India’s title-clinching win against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, he dismissed immediate retirement talks.

When asked about his participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup, the Indian captain left the door open.

“Right now, I’m playing really well, and I’m enjoying everything I’m doing with this team, and the team is enjoying my company as well, which is nice. I can’t really say 2027, because it’s too far, but I’m keeping all my options open,” he told the ICC.

“It’s something that really makes me happy. There are a lot of things involved, there’s so much pride, and the way this team is playing, I don’t want to leave this team. The way we are playing at this point in time, there is so much joy, so much fun to play with all of them,” Rohit added.

Dressing room environment

It was reported heavily during the Indian tour of Australia that all was not well within the dressing room, with the speculation only intensifying after Rohit's decision to opt out of the final Test. However, it seems India's win at the Champions Trophy may have put those discussions on rest.

Despite Rohit's recent batting slump – his highest score in the Australia Tests being just 10, and his last half-century dating back to October 2024 against New Zealand – Rohit has remained confident in his ability to bounce back.

“There is no guarantee that runs won’t come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot of cricket. Life changes every second, every minute, every day. I have confidence in myself that things can change, but at the same time I have to be realistic as well,” he told Star Sports in January.

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