Ponting believes Rohit's retirement delay is driven by unfinished business
What's the story
Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has weighed in on Indian captain Rohit Sharma's recent decision to not retire from One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Despite having led India to their second ICC title in two years and nearing 38 years of age, Sharma has quashed retirement rumors.
Meanwhile, Ponting believes that the unfinished business from losing the 50-over World Cup final to Australia in 2023 is influencing Sharma's decision-making process.
Here's more.
Retirement speculation
Rohit denies retirement rumors after Champions Trophy victory
Rohit became India's captain in 2021 at 34 and recently led them to an unbeaten Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai.
This marked his second ICC title after last year's T20 World Cup victory.
Meanwhile, speculation about his ODI retirement arose due to his age and his past decision to retire from T20Is after winning the T20 World Cup.
However, Rohit firmly dismissed the rumors during a press conference after India's final victory over New Zealand.
Goal-oriented approach
Ponting believes Rohit has a specific goal in mind
Rohit's statement, "I am not going to retire from this format, just to make sure no more rumors are spread," indicates he has a goal in mind.
Meanwhile, Ponting emphasized this during his chat on The ICC Review.
"When you start getting to that point of your career, everyone is waiting for you to retire," Ponting said.
"To me, it means that he must have that goal in mind of playing in the next World Cup (in 2027)," he concluded.
Unfinished business
Rohit led India to the 2023 World Cup final
Rohit's captaincy took India to the finals of the previous Men's Cricket World Cup, where they lost to Australia by six wickets.
Ponting hinted that this unfinished business could be the reason behind Rohit's decision to continue leading until the next Men's Cricket World Cup in 2027.
He said, "Just have one more crack at trying to win the T20 World Cup, the Champions Trophy, and the ODI World Cup."
Future prospects
Rohit keeps options open for 2027 World Cup
After India's Champions Trophy win, Rohit said he is keeping all options open regarding playing in the 2027 World Cup.
He didn't confirm his participation in the tournament but expressed his enjoyment of playing with the team and their strong camaraderie.
"I cannot really say 2027, because it is too far, but I am keeping all my options open," he concluded.
ODI numbers
A look at the skipper's ODI numbers
After his brilliant half-century in the 2025 CT final against New Zealand, the skipper has raced to 11,168 runs across 273 ODIs.
Meanwhile, he has managed an average of 48.76 in 265 innings, including a strike rate of 92.90.
Overall, he also owns 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries alongside a career-high score of 264.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Rohit has also amassed 2,506 runs at 52.20 across 55 innings as captain.