Rohit Sharma has always talked about his ultimate dream of winning the ODI World Cup. India came close twice but fell short. In 2019, they lost to New Zealand in the semi-final, while Australia defeated them in the final in 2023.

In the 2027 World Cup, Rohit will not be a captain as the BCCI has appointed Shubman Gill as the new skipper. There is no guarantee Rohit will be around for the next edition of the global tournament. But Gill is focused on fulfilling Rohit’s ultimate dream.

Shubman will lead India in a three-match series against Australia, starting October 19.

“It is a big thing to lead your country in ODIs, and the side has done well. We have 20 ODIs before playing the World Cup. The players will give their best, and hopefully, we will be ready for the World Cup. That’s the ultimate dream,” he told BCCI.

Rohit has been one of India’s successful captains, having led the Men in Blue to 42 victories in 75 games. India won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 under Rohit’s captaincy.

Agarkar said that changing captaincy was inevitable. “‘Whether it was now or six months later, those are the calls we have to take. It is tough as far as ODIs are concerned, and if you want to make a decision, you have to make it early to allow a new guy to get the confidence of leading in another format,” Agarkar said.