Champions Trophy Triumph Likely Seals Rohit Sharma’s Fate as Test Captain for England Tour
Rohit Sharma is expected to remain the captain of the Indian Test cricket team for their upcoming five-match series in England this June, according to a new report. The Indian Express suggests that the team’s recent victory in the Champions Trophy has significantly boosted the confidence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the national selection panel in Sharma’s leadership.
There had been considerable speculation about Sharma’s future as the Test captain, particularly after he experienced a dip in form during India’s recent home Test season and a challenging tour of Australia. His decision to miss the final Test match in Sydney further fueled discussions about a potential change in leadership.
However, India’s dominant performance and title win in the Champions Trophy in Dubai seem to have solidified his position for the major overseas tour to England.
A source reportedly told The Indian Express, “He has shown what he can do. Everyone involved believes that he is the right person to lead the Indian side for the tour of England. Rohit has also expressed his strong desire to continue playing red-ball cricket.”
While Rohit Sharma himself hasn’t explicitly laid out his long-term plans for Test cricket, he has made it clear that he is enjoying his current role within the team. Following India’s victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final, he dismissed any immediate talk of retirement.
When questioned about his potential participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup, Sharma indicated that he is keeping his options open. He told the ICC, “Right now, I’m playing really well, and I’m enjoying everything I’m doing with this team, and the team is enjoying my company as well, which is nice. I can’t really say 2027, because it’s too far, but I’m keeping all my options open.”
Sharma also emphasized his happiness and pride in being part of the current team environment, stating, “The way this team is playing at this point in time, there is so much joy, so much fun to play with all of them.”
Reports during India’s tour of Australia had suggested some disharmony within the team’s dressing room, which was further intensified by Rohit’s absence from the final Test. However, India’s recent success in the Champions Trophy appears to have quelled those concerns.
Despite a recent slump in his batting form – with a highest score of just 10 in the Australia Tests and his last half-century dating back to October 2024 – Rohit Sharma has expressed confidence in his ability to regain his form. In January, he told Star Sports, “There is no guarantee that runs won’t come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot of cricket. Life changes every second, every minute, every day. I have confidence in myself that things can change, but at the same time I have to be realistic as well.”