Rohit Sharma Becomes No. 1 in ODI Rankings – But Could He Be Sidelined from the 2027 World Cup?
In a remarkable turn of events, Rohit Sharma has finally ascended to the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s ODI batting rankings. At 38 years and 182 days old, he became the oldest Indian batter to claim the No. 1 spot, overtaking his teammates and global rivals alike.
The achievement underscores his enduring quality — but comes at a time when the Indian team is clearly signalling a transition ahead of the next marquee tournament, the 2027 ODI World Cup. Let’s unpack what this means for Rohit, for his form and fitness, and for India’s future squad strategy.
His Rise to No. 1
Rohit’s climb to the summit was fuelled by a commanding performance in the recent Australia tour, where he scored 202 runs in three matches at an average of 101, including an unbeaten century in Sydney.
- He registered 781 rating points in the latest update, moving ahead of the likes of Shubman Gill (who dropped to 3rd) and Afghani batter Ibrahim Zadran (2nd with 764).
- The ICC acknowledged the milestone: “Rohit rises two spots … claim the top ranking for the very first time in his career.”
Thus, the form is there, and the milestone adds a new chapter to a storied career.
Why the 2027 World Cup Question Looms
Despite this success, several indicators suggest Rohit’s participation in the 2027 World Cup isn’t guaranteed.
1. Age & Workload Management
At nearly 39, Rohit is in the final phase of his international career. The Indian setup faces the classic balancing act of experience vs longevity and succession planning.
2. Selection Signals from the Board
Selectors have begun to hint at a shift. Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, recently stated that younger players could take spots currently held by veterans, mentioning Rohit and his long-time colleague Virat Kohli by name. “Who knows, there can be younger players who will take the spot.”
3. Requirement of Commitment & Rhythm
Former spinner R Ashwin laid down criteria: Rohit and Kohli must play domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy to show their commitment and maintain rhythm. “If you are needed, you have to show up… It’s only to show that you are serious about playing.”
4. Shift in Captaincy & Format Roles
Rohit relinquished (or was replaced as) ODI captaincy to Shubman Gill ahead of this series. While his batting form is strong, the leadership mantle has shifted. At the same time, he has already ended T20I and Test duties, narrowing his focus.
What This Could Mean
For Rohit Sharma:
- His No. 1 ranking is a timely reminder that he still has elite-level ability.
- But he must sustain performance, maintain fitness, and stay in selection contention.
- His role may evolve — perhaps as a specialist opener or finite appearances rather than full squad member.
For the Indian Team & 2027 Planning:
- The selectors are signalling the need to build a squad with longevity — targeting younger players while leveraging experience.
- Rohit’s achievement could serve as a swansong high point — a final flourish before handing over to the next generation.
- The team may use tournaments over 2025-26 to test bench strength while still utilising veterans like Rohit selectively.
For Fans & Analysts:
- The storyline is compelling: a veteran achieves the ultimate individual ranking, yet the team is planning beyond him.
- The decision of whether he plays in 2027 will likely depend on his form in key series over the next 18-24 months.
Final Thoughts
Rohit Sharma’s elevation to the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings is a monumental personal achievement — a reward for longevity, class and recent form. Yet cricket is as much about the team’s future as individual accolades. The signals from India’s selectors make clear that nothing is guaranteed for the 2027 World Cup.
If Rohit wants to be a part of that campaign, the message is loud and clear: deliver consistently, stay fit, participate in domestic cricket and play with the hunger of someone much younger. Achieve that, and the veteran could well headline one more major tournament. Skip any of that, and his contribution may instead become a celebrated chapter rather than the final one.
