• Source:JND
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The outcome of the ICC Champions Trophy final could be a decisive factor in determining Rohit Sharma’s future as India’s captain, according to reports. The BCCI, as part of its long-term planning, is keen on ensuring a stable leadership setup for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship cycle (2025-27) and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

While Rohit, at 37, has the freedom to decide on his retirement, discussions about appointing new Test and ODI captains are expected to take place once the Champions Trophy concludes. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly initiated conversations with Rohit regarding his future following India’s tour of Australia earlier this year.

“Rohit still believes there is some cricket left in him," The Times of India quoted a BCCI source as saying. “He has been told to communicate his plans going forward. Retiring is his call but there will be another discussion around continuing with captaincy. Rohit himself understands the need to have a stable captain if the team wants to prepare for a World Cup."

As per the report, the BCCI has also held talks with Virat Kohli.

“There have been talks with Kohli too but there doesn’t seem to be much anxiety around him," the source said.

With an illustrious career spanning 67 Tests, 272 ODIs, and 159 T20Is, Rohit is now aiming for his third ICC trophy as a player and second as captain when India faces New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday.

Historically, India has planned transitions well in advance. MS Dhoni stepped down as ODI captain two years before the 2019 World Cup, allowing Virat Kohli ample time to settle into the role. In contrast, Rohit took over India’s white-ball captaincy from Kohli in 2021, also with a two-year lead-up to the 2023 ODI World Cup.

India’s decision to appoint Shubman Gill as the ODI vice-captain signals a possible succession plan, indicating that the 25-year-old could be groomed to take over the leadership whenever Rohit decides to step away.