Outlining his long-term ambition to feature in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, senior India opener Rohit Sharma says his strategy revolves around staying strictly in the present, keeping fit, and performing consistently in every immediate assignment rather than looking too far ahead.
“What I want to manifest is that I keep myself capable enough until 2027, so I keep myself fit, keep working hard, and keep performing well in every tournament that comes up. “Because thinking about next October right now is not going to help me play my game.
So, I think my immediate goal is that whatever is in front of me right now, I do that properly,” Rohit told JioStar in an interaction. This is what I need to think about, and this is what I need to do. What will help me is to stay in the present, keep ticking every box that comes my way, and then keep moving forward. In life, I’ve progressed step by step like this, so right now I have to do the same.
Rohit made a vintage 101 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, as India chased down a massive 406 against the West Indies. He also shared an opening stand of 255 runs with captain Shubman Gill, who hit an unbeaten 223. Having experienced the high of lifting World Cups twice in his career — as a 20-year-old in the 2007 T20 World Cup and as captain in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit stated that the feeling of winning a global trophy for India remains unmatched.
“So basically, what I mean is that I don’t need to change anything. The way my journey has been so far, I want to keep driving it the same way. Keep working hard on my batting, keep working hard on my fitness, help the boys in the team, give input wherever it’s needed, that’s all,” he added. Rohit stressed that taking a backseat from the leadership role does not mean stepping away from guiding the team, adding that his dynamic with Gill remains unchanged. “Shubman is the captain, but that does not mean I stay away from him or talk less with him. Ever since he made his debut, we have been moving in the same direction. “That is how it should be, and it should not change for any reason. He needs the confidence of the team, knowing that everyone is moving together. Our job is to support him and take the team forward,” he added.
Another superb performance from Rohit Sharma will be expected when the third ODI takes place in New Chandigarh on Saturday.
