Irfan Pathan, a former all-rounder for India, has disclosed that he discussed Rohit Sharma’s cricketing future with him. The ODI captain abruptly retired from Test cricket prior to the England tour, having last played for India during the 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.
The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season for the Mumbai Indians (MI) will still be Rohit Sharma’s final competitive appearance. After scoring 418 runs at an average of 29.85 and a strike rate of 149.28 in 15 games, he appeared to have promise. His IPL campaign was the finest since 2016.
His future has been the subject of much conjecture, and there have also been rumors that Team India is willing to start an ODI transition period in order to build a team for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
According to Irfan Pathan, Rohit Sharma told him that he wanted to play for Team India going forward. According to reports, the opening batsman passed the Yo-Yo and Bronco tests before the Men in Blue’s next assignments, which include a three-match away ODI series against Australia, are scheduled.
“I’ve been following those fitness tests, I’ve been watching the pictures and hearing things as well. This new test is obviously not easy as well, so if you are able to clear it, then your fitness is top notch. I had a long call with him just to know about his future plans, so he is very keen, he wants to make sure that he continues playing,” Irfan Pathan said in a special interaction organized by Sony Sports Network.
“Obviously every player wants to, but especially this guy, who has done really well. He has been a fantastic leader, he has been outstanding when it comes to doing well in white-ball cricket. He wants to continue as a player, he wants to leave a mark going forward.”
Irfan Pathan
Rohit Sharma has repeatedly said that he would love to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, especially after the embarrassing loss to Australia in the last tournament held on the home soil. The only way that he can keep himself in rhythm and meet match fitness after leaving Tests and T20Is is to continue playing the 50-over and occasional IPL.
Irfan Pathan backs India veterans to extend careers regardless of age
Similar to Rohit Sharma, experienced players Virat Kohli and Mohammad Shami also have questionable futures. In addition to retiring from Test and Twenty20 International cricket, the former captain of India is anticipated to make a comeback to international play during the forthcoming tour of Australia.
However, Shami, on the contrary, has been affected by the illness since 2023. The selectors did not contemplate him on the England tour or the Border-Gavaskar series, although he was again in full fitness. His white-ball credentials have been damaged by a bad 2025 IPL season with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) following a good 2025 Champions Trophy season.
“As long as the player is fit, the age does not matter. The challenge for him will be to have game time. Because there will be lot of gaps, in terms of playing ODIs. I don’t think so there will be any issues with motivation because it is a matter of playing for India. Whether it be Rohit, Virat, or Mohammad Shami as well.”
Irfan Pathan
In the recent Duleep Trophy match between East Zone and North Zone, Shami took one wicket.
