On the latest episode of The ICC Review, Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting shared his thoughts on Rohit Sharma’s decision to continue playing ODIs after India’s triumphant Champions Trophy campaign.
Rohit Puts Retirement Rumors to Rest
Since taking over as India’s captain in 2021 at the age of 34, Rohit has now secured two ICC titles—first the 2024 T20 World Cup and now the 2025 Champions Trophy. With him nearing 38, there had been speculation about whether he would step away from the 50-over format, especially after retiring from T20Is following last year’s World Cup victory.
However, Rohit shut down those rumors in the post-match press conference after India’s win over New Zealand.
“One more thing, I’m not going to retire from this format, just to make sure no more rumors are spread,” he said after delivering a Player-of-the-Match performance in the final.
Ponting on Rohit’s Motivation to Keep Going
Speaking with The ICC Review host Crystal Arnold, Ponting suggested that Rohit’s decision wasn’t just about silencing speculation—it likely stemmed from a clear goal in mind.
“When you get to this stage of your career, everyone starts waiting for you to retire,” Ponting said. “And I don’t know why—when you can still play as well as he did in the final. I think he just wanted to put those questions to rest and say, ‘No, I’m still playing well enough. I love this team. I love leading this team.’”
Ponting also hinted that Rohit’s statement could mean he is eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup as his next big target.
“If he’s making it clear that he’s not retiring, it tells me he’s got a goal in mind—probably playing in the next World Cup in 2027,” Ponting added.
Ricky Ponting shares his prediction for the winner of the second Champions Trophy semi-final
Unfinished Business from the 2023 World Cup
India had an incredible run in the 2023 ODI World Cup at home but fell short in the final, losing to Australia by six wickets. Ponting believes that heartbreak could be a major factor in Rohit’s decision to stick around.
“I think the fact that they lost the last World Cup and he was captain might be weighing on him,” Ponting said. “He might want one more crack at winning all three—T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and the ODI World Cup.”
And based on how Rohit performed in the Champions Trophy final, Ponting doesn’t think it’s time for him to step away just yet.
“When you see him play like that, you wouldn’t say his time is up,” he concluded.
