Post-Champions Trophy win, Rohit Sharma likely to remain captain for England Test series

Following India’s overwhelming Champions Trophy triumph, Rohit Sharma is likely to remain captain for the June-August five-Test series in England, The Indian Express has learnt.

After struggling for runs during the home Test summer, followed by a disastrous tour to Australia which prompted him to “stand down” from the final Test in Sydney, there was speculation that the national selectors may take a call on his future in red-ball cricket. However, the victory in Dubai may prolong Rohit’s Test career.

The Indian Express has learnt that Rohit has got the backing of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its selection panel to lead the team on another major tour.

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“He has shown what he can do. Every stakeholder feels that he is the right candidate to lead the Indian side for the tour of England. Rohit too has expressed his eagerness to keep playing red-ball cricket,” said a source.

Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma with Champions Trophy 2025. (FILE photo) Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma with Champions Trophy 2025. (FILE photo)

Soon after winning the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on Sunday, Rohit had himself quashed rumours of immediate retirement, without spelling out his long-term plans. He was asked about the next 50-overs World Cup that India is to host in 2027.

“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,” he had told the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“It’s something that really makes me happy. There are a lot of things involved, there’s so much pride, and the way this team is playing, I don’t want to leave this team. The way we are playing at this point in time, there is so much joy, so much fun to play with all of them,” he had said.

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In January, after standing down from the Sydney Test, Rohit had said that his bad patch would not continue forever. His highest score in the three Tests he played Down Under was 10 and his last Test 50 was in October 2024, during the home series against New Zealand.

“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,” he had told Star Sports.

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