COLOMBO, 19 February 2026 – Indian cricket legend Rohit Sharma has once again become the centre of international attention, making a high-profile appearance at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. Despite having retired from the shortest format of the game following India’s 2024 triumph, the “Hitman” remains a towering figure in the sport, serving as an ICC ambassador and a mentor-like presence for the current squad.
Latest Updates: T20 World Cup Cameo and 2027 Ambitions
In the last week, Rohit Sharma has dominated headlines across South Asia. On 15 February 2026, Sharma made a surprise appearance in the Indian team huddle at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan. Acting in his capacity as an ICC ambassador, he was seen sharing advice with bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah and engaging in a warm embrace with Pakistani legend Wasim Akram, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
Beyond his ceremonial roles, Sharma has sparked significant discussion regarding his future in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Just two days ago, he made a “major declaration” regarding the 2027 ODI World Cup, expressing a continued “desperation” to compete for the trophy. This follows a stellar late-2025 season where he reclaimed the top spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings and notched his 50th international century during India’s tour of Australia.
Career Statistical Summary
Rohit Sharma’s legacy is defined by his unprecedented ability to score big. He remains the only player in history to have scored three double-centuries in ODI cricket. The following table outlines his career statistics across all major formats as of February 2026.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Centuries | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 67 | 116 | 4,301 | 12 | 212 |
| ODI | 282 | 274 | 11,577 | 33 | 264 |
| T20I | 159 | 151 | 4,231 | 5 | 121* |
| IPL | 272 | 267 | 7,046 | 2 | 109* |
Major Records and Achievements
- Highest Individual ODI Score: Holds the world record for the highest score in an ODI innings (264 runs against Sri Lanka in 2014).
- Most Double Centuries: The only batsman with three ODI double-hundreds (209, 264, and 208*).
- World Cup Dominance: Holds the record for the most centuries in a single edition of the ODI World Cup (5 centuries in 2019).
- International Centuries: Reached the milestone of 50 international centuries in October 2025 during the series against Australia.
- Six-Hitting Record: Holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket across all formats.
Public Sentiment and Future Outlook
Public opinion remains divided but passionate regarding Sharma’s late-career trajectory. While some fans on platforms like Reddit debate his standing compared to icons like Sachin Tendulkar, the “Hitman Zone” community continues to celebrate him as an inspirational leader. Recent insights suggest that his presence in the dressing room is still viewed as a vital asset for India’s younger players, such as Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan.
With the BCCI reportedly encouraging senior players to maintain domestic participation to stay eligible for the 2027 World Cup, Sharma’s journey appears far from over. His recent form in Australia, where he and Virat Kohli led India to a poetic victory at the SCG in late 2025, suggests that the veteran opener still possesses the “class” required to compete at the highest level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Rohit Sharma retired from all forms of cricket?
No. While Rohit Sharma retired from T20 Internationals after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, he remains active in Test matches, ODIs, and the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has recently expressed his desire to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
How many double centuries does Rohit Sharma have in ODIs?
Rohit Sharma has scored three double centuries in One Day Internationals, which is a world record. His scores were 209 (vs Australia), 264 (vs Sri Lanka), and 208* (vs Sri Lanka).
What is Rohit Sharma’s role in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Rohit Sharma is attending the 2026 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka as an ICC ambassador. He has been seen mentoring the Indian squad and participating in official tournament ceremonies.