On the basis of a TOI report, the results of the Champions Trophy 2025 can sway the plans for the ODI World Cup 2027 and the next WTC cycle. It further said the result of the final clash with New Zealand might also have implications for Rohit Sharma as captain, for whom the BCCI is looking for a more stable leadership candidate who can steer the vision into the future. Sources say that there would be, at least, some tough conversations over moving on from Rohit at least as captain in ODIs and Tests by the end of Champions Trophy.
It is further reported that Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar were already in discussion with BCCI on this subject after the Australia Test series. Apparently, Rohit was not adverse to a change, which would mean one ODI captain for India after the Champions Trophy.
“Rohit still feels that he has some cricket left in him. He has been asked to communicate his plans for the future. Whether to retire or not is up to him, but there will be discussions around the continuation of his captaincy. He understands that a stable captaincy is important for the team to prepare for a World Cup. There have been talks with Kohli too but there doesn’t seem to be much anxiety around him,” said a BCCI source to TOI.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, the T20I captain of India, wished the Men in Blue well for their ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, extolling the fitness and contributions as captain of Rohit Sharma in recent times, including taking India through to the final of all ICC tournaments during his tenure.
The action will take place on March 9 between India and New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final at Dubai International Stadium. Going into the match, Men in Blue are unbeaten in the tournament, while the Kiwis have looked rock solid with bat and ball under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner. The matchup promises to be an epic sequel to their 2000 ICC Champions Trophy final, where NZ emerged victorious. The Men in Blue would like to avenge the losses against the Blackcaps in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal and 2021 ICC World Test Championship final.
In an exclusive interaction with ANI, Suryakumar said, “India has been playing really well. If they continue to do so well, the final would be just another game. I would like everyone to perform well, from player number one to 15 and the support staff as well.”