If Not Rohit Sharma, Players Who Might Announce Retirement Before 2027 ODI World Cup

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja -(Source: AFP)

The past couple of days have been nothing short of an emotional roller-coaster for India cricket fans. Earlier, it was reported that Rohit Sharma will play his last match for India on Sunday, July 19, when the Men in Blue lock horns against England for the 3rd ODI.

However, on Friday night, the BCCI refuted the reports and stated that the Hitman continues to be in the scheme of things, bringing a sigh of relief among the fans.

There are still 18 months left for the 2027 ODI World Cup, and if not Rohit Sharma, there are other active players who might consider hanging their boots in ODIs before the marquee event.

Players Who Might Announce ODI Retirement Before 2027 ODI World Cup 

1. Ravindra Jadeja

Besides Rohit Sharma, there was another report that the management has also moved on from Ravindra Jadeja. The star all-rounder, who is active in just two formats, is likely to take voluntary retirement before the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Also Read: Factors Apart From Rohit Sharma To Watch Out For In India vs England 3rd ODI

The selectors want to continue with Axar Patel, who previously served as Jadeja’s understudy for several years. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Jadeja has played just 13 ODIs. 

Further, in 2026, the left-arm all-rounder has featured in 3 ODIs, amassing just 43 runs and is yet to pick up a wicket. Since the 37-year-old is already out of the scheme of things, he will most likely announce his ODI retirement as well.

2. Mohammad Shami

For Mohammad Shami, the right-arm seamer has been clearly communicated by the selectors that he too is not in the scheme of things. Notably, the LSG pacer was India’s best bowler during the 2023 ODI World Cup, but missed the next two years of cricket because of injuries.

Eventually, Shami got picked for the 2025 Champions Trophy and took 9 wickets in 5 innings. Since then, the 35-year-old has been consistently performing well in domestic cricket and the IPL. However, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has moved on from him.

Therefore, Shami too might announce his retirement due to lack of motivation, as he is most likely to come to terms that he won’t represent India again.

3. Yuzvendra Chahal

Another big name who might announce ODI retirement before the ODI World Cup 2027 is Yuzvendra Chahal. The right-arm spinner has not represented India since August 2023. India already have Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy as the two frontline spinners. Hence, there is no possibility of Chahal’s return.

So, Yuzvendra Chahal is also expected to announce his International retirement, as it will allow him to play franchise cricket outside India as well. Also, during the Afghanistan series, the selectors tried Harsh Dubey and they also have Manav Suthar who are in the scheme of things, hinting that the selectors won't look backwards.

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