In a candid revelation, Indian cricket stalwart Rohit Sharma has disclosed that the shattering defeat in the 2023 Cricket World Cup final led him to seriously contemplate ending his illustrious career. The veteran opener, who has since stepped away from T20Is and Test cricket, admitted the loss was a profound emotional blow.
The Emotional Aftermath of a Crushing Loss
The thought of hanging up his boots crossed Rohit Sharma's mind in the immediate aftermath of the final, a match where India fell agonizingly short of the ultimate prize on home soil. The defeat marked a low point, prompting deep introspection about his future in the sport. This period of doubt followed a year of significant transition for the cricketer, including his removal from the ODI captaincy earlier in 2025 and his retirements from two other formats.
A Renewed Focus on the 2027 Dream
However, time and reflection have forged a new resolve. Rohit Sharma has now set his sights on a final, triumphant campaign. He has expressed a strong desire to continue playing the 50-over format with one clear goal: to compete in and win the 2027 World Cup. This ambition serves as a powerful motivator, driving him to extend his career and seek a storybook ending.
Navigating a New Chapter
Rohit Sharma's career is now in a distinct phase. Having retired from T20 Internationals and Tests, his focus is singularly on ODI cricket. The path to 2027 will require meticulous fitness management and consistent performance. His statement, made public on 22 December 2025, underscores the resilience of a champion who, after facing the brink of retirement, has found a renewed purpose to continue representing India.
The cricketing world will now watch with keen interest as one of India's modern greats embarks on this final mission, aiming to rewrite the ending of his World Cup story.