Careers in international cricket often follow unpredictable paths but Rohit Sharma’s story in 2025 has been about resilience, redemption and renewed dominance. At 38, when many questioned how much he had left to give, the Mumbai batter rose to the very top, becoming the world’s No. 1 ODI batter for the first time in his long and celebrated career.
Rohit Sharma featured in all the 14 One Day Internationals played by India in 2025 and delivered consistently across conditions. With two centuries and four half-centuries, he piled up 650 runs, reminding everyone why he has long been regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation. His defining moment came during team India’s tour of Australia in October, where he produced a commanding performance in the three-match ODI series. Not only did he finish as the highest run-scorer but he also walked away with the Player of the Series award, a run that pushed him to the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings.
What made this surge even more remarkable was the backdrop against which it unfolded. Prior to the Australia series, Rohit Sharma’s future in international cricket had been the subject of intense debate. His removal from India’s ODI captaincy, despite leading the team to the ICC Champions Trophy title in his previous assignment, had raised doubts about his role going forward. Rohit Sharma responded in the only way he knows best – with runs, calm leadership through performance and an unmistakable hunger to continue.
He carried that form into the home series against South Africa as well, adding more half-centuries to underline his consistency. As he now prepares to turn out for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he addressed fans at an event in Gurugram, offering insight into his mindset and future plans.
Using a simple life analogy, Rohit Sharma spoke about how difficult beginnings can eventually lead to a comfortable cruising phase if momentum is maintained. He suggested that once someone reaches a high point, the real challenge is staying there and he made it clear that he has no intention of stepping away just yet. While acknowledging that every journey must eventually come to an end, Rohit emphasised that the timing of that decision should belong to the individual.
Here is what Rohit Sharma said, “My life was much the same – the beginning was very difficult. But once I found my rhythm and gained momentum, it felt like getting onto a plane that climbed to a certain height and has stayed there ever since. That’s what truly matters to me, and I don’t want that plane to land too soon. I want to keep flying for as long as I can.”
Here is the video clip:
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For now, Rohit Sharma is content soaring at the top, focused on extending this remarkable phase and enjoying every moment of the ride.
