Rohit Sharma gets key BCCI advise ahead of South Africa ODIs

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has advised Rohit Sharma to concentrate on maintaining his fitness and delivering strong performances, while steering clear of speculating about his international cricket future.

After stepping down from T20 Internationals in June 2024 and retiring from Test cricket earlier this year in May 2025, Rohit remains active only in the ODI format. Despite widespread rumors about his potential ODI retirement before the recent three-match series in Australia, Rohit silenced these doubts by scoring a century and a half-century, finishing as the series' top run-scorer.

A BCCI insider revealed to the Times of India that the board wants Rohit to persist with his aggressive style of play as an opening batter, which appeared to be subdued during the Australian tour.

"It is expected that he (Rohit) continues to lead by example as a fearless batter at the top of the order," the source stated. Emphasis was placed on the role he and Virat Kohli play in anchoring the innings and setting the tone for the younger batsmen.

Looking ahead, the BCCI is preparing to hold discussions between selectors and team management once the South Africa ODI series concludes. This meeting will address the futures of both Rohit and Kohli with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup. "It is very important that players of Rohit and Kohli's stature are given clarity about what is expected of them and how the current management views their roles. They can't just be playing with uncertainty," the BCCI source explained.

Rohit, India's third-highest run-scorer in ODIs, is set to feature in the upcoming series against South Africa, with matches scheduled in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam on November 30, December 3, and December 6, respectively.

Ahead of the Ranchi ODI, Rohit is poised to register his name in a significant record. The India veteran is just 3 sixes away from becoming the most six-hitter in ODI cricket. Currently Rohit has hit 349 sixes, as the top spot is held by Shahid Afridi with 351 sixes.