Steve Waugh: Rohit Sharma Must Prove His Hunger for 2027 World Cup

Steve Waugh has said the question of whether Rohit Sharma reaches the 2027 ODI World Cup comes down to commitment as much as ability.

Rohit has retired from Tests and T20Is and now plays only ODIs. The 2027 World Cup is scheduled for October-November, and he will be 40 when it starts, so his long-term future is increasingly discussed.

Waugh on desire and sacrifice

Speaking on Star Sports, Waugh said only Rohit can answer the question. At that age, he said, the skill and know-how remain, but the player has to ask whether he still has the desire to train hard and make the sacrifices needed to prepare fully.

Waugh added that if the answer on commitment and preparation is yes, Rohit can make it, and if the answer to either is no, he will not. He accepted the talent is obvious but said success needs far more than that.

Rohit’s stated ambition

Rohit has previously said he wants to play in the 2027 World Cup and help India win it. The BCCI has supported his continued involvement, and secretary Devajit Saikia earlier dismissed retirement talk before India’s third ODI against England.

Recent form and World Cup record

Rohit’s latest ODI came against England in July 2026, when he made 138 off 110 balls at Lord’s in the third match.

His World Cup record is strong too. In three World Cups he has scored 1,575 runs with seven centuries, the most World Cup hundreds by an Indian batter. His five centuries in 2019 are still a record for a single tournament.

Age will stay part of the discussion, but his experience and recent form mean his availability is likely to remain a talking point until India pick their squad.