For Rohit Sharma, 2025 has been a year of unexpected turns, hard resets and renewed purpose. What began with controversy in Sydney, when he opted out of the final Test against Australia, soon became a watershed moment in Indian cricket. Rohit, then the Test captain for the tour, shocked fans and pundits alike by announcing his retirement from the longest format ahead of India’s summer tour of England.
From three formats to one
In a swift transition rarely seen for a modern great, the 38-year-old has been reduced to a one-format player, now featuring exclusively in ODIs. India’s selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, have shifted the team’s long-term strategy toward younger multi-format talents, leaving Rohit to reinvent himself in the 50-over arena — and he has responded admirably.
At the ACA–VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, Rohit played his final international innings of the year, scoring a fluent 75 off 73 balls in India’s resounding nine-wicket win over South Africa, sealing a 2–1 series victory.
Trial by fire before the Australia ODIs
Rohit’s resilience was tested earlier in the year during India’s ODI tour of Australia. At the team selection press conference in Ahmedabad, Agarkar notably namechecked Yashasvi Jaiswal as the back-up opener — a move widely seen as sending a message to the senior batter. Rohit responded with a Player-of-the-Series performance, including a half-century and an unbeaten hundred across the three matches.
He ends 2025 with 650 runs from 14 innings at an average of 50, all in ODIs — figures that reaffirm his continued value to the national side despite structural changes in selection.
Fitness, discipline and rising to the challenge
With India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir reinforcing the selection committee’s directive that all centrally contracted players — including Rohit and Virat Kohli — must play domestic cricket to be considered for India, the veteran opener has embraced the challenge. Leaner, fitter and striking the ball with renewed crispness, Rohit has demonstrated a desire to evolve even in the later stages of his career.
His innings of 121 not out off 125 balls in Sydney during the Australia ODIs was pivotal. Yet Rohit has reportedly placed even greater personal value on his 76 in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand earlier this year, the knock that helped India lift the coveted title.
Leadership, mentorship and looking ahead
Reflecting on his season, Rohit said:
“We couldn’t win the series — but we will take a lot of positives. It’s a young side. I remember how seniors helped us when I came in; now it’s our job to do the same. I love doing what I do and hope to continue.”
His emphasis on guiding younger players underlines his evolving role within the squad — no longer captain, but still a critical senior presence.
Return expected in early 2026
Rohit is set to return to international cricket in January 2026, when India host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series. Before then, he is expected to represent Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, in line with the new mandate requiring domestic participation for national selection.
Even as his international responsibilities narrow, Rohit Sharma closes 2025 as a player who has adapted, performed and remained central to India’s white-ball ambitions.