Set aside all the murmurs and rumours; Rohit Sharma will all but lead Team India. The current ODI and red-ball skipper has himself hinted at continuing in the longest format. Following the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, India will travel to England for an important five-match Test series, part of the WTC 2025-27 cycle. With massive question marks over Rohit’s form, there have been doubts over his presence in the upcoming series, let alone his future in the format.
Rohit Sharma says, “We’ll try our best”
Speaking on Michael Clarke’s YouTube podcast, Rohit Sharma was heard concluding the video, saying, “We’ll try our best.” His response came when the former Australian captain wished him good luck for the Test series against England. Prior to that story, Rohit waxed lyrical about an underdog Aussie bowler, who troubled India big time in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024/25.
Rohit Sharma eyes “England challenge”
“We want Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and other bowlers to be 100% fit for the England tour. If we have a fully fit team, then obviously we’ll have a great series in England. It’s going to be a good challenge for us in England,” Rohit remarked, setting his sights firmly on the upcoming five-match Test series.
Well, India put up a great fight in Australia. Despite the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj not firing in all cylinders, and missing Mohammed Shami, the visitors did give themselves a chance by winning the opening Test. However, it was led by Bumrah, with Rohit missing due to the birth of his child.
Make or break for Rohit, the Test batter
Fast forward now, Rohit had a terrible BGT 2024/25, making 31 runs in 5 innings at an average of 6.20. The likes of Nathan Lyon, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep and Mitchell Starc all scored more than the Indian skipper. The change of format didn’t bring him form either, with Rohit having just 56 runs at 11.20 across 5 innings thus far in IPL 2025.
Considering all this, it would be fair to say that the England series, if he plays, would be Rohit Sharma’s make-or-break run. If he does well, and so does India, the BCCI might just agree to have a future with him at the helm.
Rohit Sharma in Tests since Sept 2024
| Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 50 | 0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 15 | 164 | 52 | 10.93 | 57.14 | 1 | 1 |
Rohit Sharma in England
| Span | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Avg | 100s | 50s | 4s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-2023 | 7 | 14 | 524 | 127 | 40.30 | 1 | 2 | 62 |
