Former India captain Rohit Sharma has kept the door open for a possible appearance at the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying there is still considerable time before the tournament begins. Rohit addressed the uncertainty surrounding his future during an interaction at the Global Fintech Fest on Thursday. When an audience member asked if he intended to play in the next World Cup, the veteran opener offered a brief but measured response.

“October 2027 is far away, we will see about it then,” Rohit said. His answer neither confirmed his participation nor indicated that retirement was imminent. Instead, it suggested that the decision could depend on his fitness, form and position in India’s ODI plans closer to the tournament.

The 2027 ODI World Cup is scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 4 to November 21. Rohit will turn 40 during the tournament year, making his age and workload major talking points as India prepare for the event.

He is currently active only in ODI cricket after retiring from Tests and T20 internationals. That reduced workload could help him extend his international career, but competition for places and India’s long-term squad-building strategy will also influence the final decision.

Reports in recent weeks suggested that selectors could consider moving beyond the senior batter during the next World Cup cycle. However, neither Rohit nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced any retirement plan. Rohit’s decision to avoid committing this early appears practical, given the significant period remaining before the competition. His selection will ultimately depend on performance and the balance India seek at the top of the batting order.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly supported Rohit following the board’s review meeting in Mumbai. He questioned speculation about the batter’s future and pointed to his recent performances as evidence that he could still contribute at the highest level.

Saikia highlighted Rohit’s form and referred to his century in his previous appearance. He said there was little reason to fuel retirement speculation while the former captain continued to score runs. Questions over Rohit’s future had intensified during India’s three-match ODI series against England earlier in 2026. Some reports suggested that the third match at Lord’s could become his final international appearance.

Rohit responded with a commanding innings of 138 from 110 balls, delivering one of his finest recent performances. The century reinforced the argument that his experience, attacking ability and match awareness remain valuable to the Indian team. His presence at the top of the order also gives India an experienced player capable of setting the tempo in major tournaments. However, maintaining consistency over the coming months will be crucial as selectors assess the squad.

India are expected to play at least 14 ODIs before the 2027 World Cup, excluding the postponed series against Bangladesh and any possible Asia Cup matches. Those games will give the team management opportunities to test younger players, evaluate opening combinations and develop a settled squad for conditions in southern Africa. The selectors will have to balance experience with long-term planning. Rohit’s record in global tournaments makes him an attractive option, but his fitness and form closer to the World Cup are likely to carry more weight than past achievements.

Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra recently said it was too early to determine whether Rohit and Virat Kohli would participate in the tournament. His assessment reflected the uncertainty surrounding both senior batters as India plan for the next global event. Rather than setting an immediate deadline, the team management could monitor their performances and make a decision as the tournament approaches.

Rohit was also asked whether India could organise another open-top bus parade if the team won the 2027 World Cup, similar to the celebrations held in Mumbai after its 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. “I do not think a bus parade would be possible now,” he replied, without offering further details.

The comment added a light moment to an interaction otherwise dominated by questions about his future. Rohit’s central message remained clear: October 2027 is too distant for a definitive commitment. For now, he continues to remain available for ODI selection. His recent form has strengthened his case, but the upcoming matches will determine whether he can maintain the performance levels required to compete for a World Cup place at 40.