Published on: Mar 7, 2025 11:44 am IST|Updated on: Mar 7, 2025 11:50 am IST
India faces New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday, but for Rohit Sharma, the match carries more weight than just another ICC title. The outcome could decide whether he continues as India’s captain in ODIs and Tests.
The BCCI and selectors have already started planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, and Rohit has been asked to clarify his future after the tournament. At 37, he knows he doesn’t have many years left in international cricket. The selectors want a clear roadmap for the team, and discussions have already taken place about moving on from Rohit as captain.
According to the Times of India, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir have spoken with the BCCI about potential changes. Rohit isn’t opposed to discussions on the team’s future but has been asked to communicate his plans soon.
“Rohit still believes there is some cricket left in him. He has been told to communicate his plans going forward. Retiring is his call but there will be another discussion around continuing with captaincy. Rohit himself understands the need to have a stable captain if the team wants to prepare for a World Cup. There have been talks with Kohli too. But there doesn’t seem to be much anxiety around him,” a source told TOI.
India and New Zealand will face off at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in a rematch of their group-stage encounter, which India won by 44 runs. Both teams have looked strong throughout the tournament, making Sunday’s final a high-stakes battle.
India topped Group A after winning all three of their matches. They comfortably beat Bangladesh and Pakistan before overcoming New Zealand in the last group game. New Zealand, on the other hand, started well with wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh but finished second in the group after losing to India.
In the semi-finals, India edged out Australia in a tense four-wicket win, while New Zealand dominated South Africa by 50 runs. The final will also be a historic moment, as these two teams last met in an ODI tournament final back in 2000.
Regardless of the final result, discussions about India’s leadership structure are inevitable. The team needs long-term planning for the next World Cup, and selectors will have to decide whether Rohit remains part of that vision. If India wins the Champions Trophy, he could choose to step down on a high note. If they lose, the BCCI might accelerate the transition process.
While Rohit’s future is in question, there’s no similar concern around Virat Kohli. His performances in the ICC tournament have been outstanding, and he remains a key player in the team’s plans.
For now, all eyes are on the Champions Trophy final this Sunday in Dubai. The result could decide not just a tournament winner but also the direction Indian cricket takes in the coming years.