Abhishek Sharma To Succeed Rohit Sharma In ODIs After Champions Trophy?- Report

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Abhishek Sharma's 37-ball blistering ton against England has undoubtedly caught the attention of everyone and especially the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.

His fearless approach and ability to dominate top-tier fast bowlers make him a compelling prospect for India's future ODI squad for sure.

As per a report by Cricblogger, Rohit Sharma is expected to retire from ODIs following the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Indian selectors are actively scouting for long-term opening options. The likes of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are already in contention, but Abhishek could emerge as the third strong candidate for the role.

The report says that Gambhir has made it clear that Rohit's ODI journey will conclude post-Champions Trophy, signaling the need for a smooth transition in the opening department.

Earlier it was expected that he would quit Test cricket but Rohit himself confirmed that he will be still grinding as far as the longest format of the game is concerned.

But for Abhishek to be considered for the role, the batter and the board should not rush things and try to adapt to the 50-over format without the immediate pressure of expectations. Unlike the high-octane nature of T20 cricket, ODIs demand a blend of aggression and composure.

The 24-year-old will likely need to refine his game to sustain longer innings, and bilateral series could provide the perfect platform for this adjustment.

CricBlogger previously reported that Rohit had already agreed to step down from international cricket after the Champions Trophy, which influenced the decision to retain him as captain for the tournament. Sources also indicate that Gambhir had favored Hardik Pandya to lead the side in the ICC event, but the selectors ultimately had the final say.

With discussions about Rohit's future already underway within the BCCI and selection committee, the focus now shifts to how the team management integrates Abhishek Sharma into the ODI fold.

As Indian cricket braces for a transitional phase, all eyes will be on Yuvraj Singh's student and his journey into the senior team.