Rohit Sharma needs to decide on his future after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Rohit Sharma's form, particularly in Test cricket, has been a major topic of discussion in the cricketing world over the past few months. The legendary batter, who has been one of India's most consistent performers across formats, has struggled to replicate his former brilliance in recent Test series. India’s disappointing defeats to New Zealand and Australia in consecutive Test series have only added to the pressure on the Mumbai batsman. Some cricket experts have suggested that it might be time for Rohit to step away from the longer format of the game. However, despite the criticism, the 36-year-old has insisted that he still has a lot to offer the national team and is determined to continue playing.

Reports indicate that the selectors have begun to question Rohit's future in the Test side. They have reportedly asked the veteran batsman to outline his plans beyond the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he will captain India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is believed to be entering a phase of transition, with future events like the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle and the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon. With these high-stakes tournaments approaching, there is growing speculation about Rohit's role in India’s long-term strategy, particularly in the Test format.

"The selectors and people in the board had this discussion with Rohit around the time of the last selection meeting. He has been told that he needs to decide how he wants to plan his future after the Champions Trophy. The team management has certain plans going into the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the ODI World Cup. They want to ensure everyone is on the same page for a smoother transition," a BCCI source said as per Times of India (TOI).

India is set to face England in a five-Test series following the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the selectors are likely to take a long-term view with an eye on the future of the team. Rohit Sharma, who will turn 38 in April, will be 40 by the time the next World Test Championship final takes place in 2027, raising questions about his long-term role in the red-ball setup.

With this in mind, there is growing speculation that the selectors might look to invest in younger players to ensure a smooth transition in the coming years. Rohit’s age, combined with his recent struggles for form in Tests, has prompted discussions about the future of India’s leadership in the longest format. Alongside this, there are considerations around captaincy options for the Test team. While Jasprit Bumrah has been vice-captain in Tests, his fitness and availability remain a concern. This has opened the door for younger players like Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, both of whom have the potential to step into leadership roles in the future, as the team plans for the next phase of its red-ball journey.

"Bumrah’s chances of a long Test series or completing a full season will always be in doubt. The selectors may want a more stable option. Gill has been seen as a captaincy prospect but his returns in Test cricket have been average. Rishabh Pant could also be a strong candidate and maybe someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal can be groomed for the role," the source concluded.