Should Rohit Sharma retire if he fails to perform in Champions Trophy 2025? The answer might be, yes

Rohit Sharma endured a poor 2024, where in the IND vs AUS series, he only averaged 6 and scored a total of 31 runs. In the entire year, he only scored 619 runs in 14 Tests, at an average of 24, which is still mediocre, with the lofty standards he sets for himself. And that is the reason why, despite being the skipper, he dropped himself from the playing XI in the Sydney Test.

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Rohit Sharma the Test Batter vs ODI Batter

After doing so, he had clarified, “I had a chat with the coach and the selector was very simple. I am not making runs at the moment. I am not in form and it’s an important game. We need an in-form player. Our batting order isn’t in form at the moment. So out-of-form players can’t carry the team at the moment. This was the simple thing in my mind. It was my understanding that I should tell the coach and the selector and they backed my call,” Rohit Sharma said on Star Sports.

Perhaps, that was the best decision, or maybe not, but then now, since the IND vs AUS series is over… what happens if limited-overs legend Rohit Sharma fails to perform in Champions Trophy 2025 as well? Look, he is one of the best ODI players the world has ever seen, and there is no doubt over his ability, but the kind of lean patch he is undergoing, this question is what the BCCI selectors should be ready to answer.

Matches	Runs	HS	Average	100s
27	1255	131	52.29	2

Rohit in 2023 ODIs, in 2024 only 3 ODIs were played.

Overall, in 265 ODIs, Rohit has scored 10,866 runs at an average close to 50, that includes three double tons as well. In 2024, he played only 3 matches, and there too accumulated over 150 runs at an average of 52. Similar was the case in 2023, where he scored 1255 runs in 27 matches, at an average of 52 again. so most likely, he will come good in the 50-over format again.. but in case he does not, maybe it will be time for him to take a call on his future.

With Yashavi Jaiswal in Wings, Champions Trophy Should be Rohit’s Last

Simply, not because he will become a bad white-ball player after a failed series, but then because, there are many players waiting in the wings to take Rohit’s spot in the team. How good they turn out eventually, is a debate for later, but there are contenders for sure. The biggest of them is Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is yet to make his ODI debut, but has been excellent in Tests and T20Is.

In 19 Tests, the southpaw has scored 1798 runs at an average of almost 53. In the shortest format he averages 36 and has a ton there too. Then in LIST A, in 52 matches, he has scored 1511 runs in 32 matches, at an average of 54, with 5 tons. So there is a candidate, who couldn’t be more ready to take over.

Skipper Not Getting Any Younger

If one talks about the other players, who could most likely be in contention to open with Shubman Gill in future would be, Ishan Kishan, who has done it a few times already. In 27 matches, he has scored 933 runs, including a double ton. Another player would be Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been exceptional in List As. In 84 matches, he has scored 4312 runs at an average of close to 58.

Forget that too, Rohit Sharma is not getting any younger at 37. By all means, he might not be around for the World Cup 2027, and will be 40 by then. So it might just be time to move beyond Rohit if he fails to deliver in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Cricket ICC Champions Trophy India Cricket Team Rohit Sharma