Media365
Rohit Sharma’s remarkable streak of appearing in every T20 World Cup since the tournament’s inception is now set to end. Only two players have participated in all nine editions, and Rohit stands as the lone Indian in that elite group. But with the 2026 T20 World Cup coming to India next February and his retirement from T20Is last June, the former captain acknowledged that he will experience the next edition from home for the first time, admitting that the thought of “watching the World Cup on television” is still something he is learning to accept. Despite stepping away from T20Is more than a year ago and ending his Test career in May, Rohit said the shift to life as a retired player remains an ongoing adjustment.
On Tuesday, ICC chairman Jay Shah announced Rohit as the official ambassador for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The 2024 T20 World Cup-winning skipper called the honour special, noting that players are rarely appointed ICC ambassadors while still active in their playing days. He expressed hope that the upcoming edition would generate the same excitement with a new group of Indian players. Rohit also reflected on his three ICC titles, including two as captain, and recalled how difficult it was to end India’s long drought between 2014 and 2023. He admitted that winning any global trophy is an immense challenge and that the team’s desperation during the lean years made the recent triumphs even more meaningful. With Suryakumar Yadav now leading India’s campaign at the 2026 event as the team attempts to become the first side to retain the T20 title, Rohit confessed that the idea of no longer being in the dressing room remains unfamiliar. Still, he said he is gradually finding comfort in this new chapter. Watching a World Cup as a spectator, he said, will be unusual after featuring in every one of them so far. “I’m still getting used to sitting at home and watching it on TV,” he remarked, adding that he has begun to enjoy this different perspective. Rohit made it clear, however, that he has not retired from all formats. He reminded everyone that he remains an active cricketer and will rejoin the squad later this week in Ranchi for India’s three-match home ODI series against South Africa. “I’ll be meeting the boys soon. I am still playing,” he said with a smile.
