
Rohit Sharma: Retirement, Vegetarian Diet, World Cup 2027 Plans
There’s a reason cricket fans keep checking Rohit Sharma’s Instagram feed – and it’s not just the match highlights. Between retirement rumours, a vegetarian diet, and chatter about the 2027 World Cup, the Indian captain’s life is as layered as his batting average. This piece walks through the facts, the fuzzy parts, and what might actually come next for one of the sport’s most decorated openers.
Age: 37 years (as of 2024) ·
ODI centuries: 31 ·
IPL titles as captain: 5 ·
Highest ODI score: 264
Quick snapshot
- Only batsman with three ODI double centuries (ESPNcricinfo)
- Most ODI centuries (31) among active Indians (ESPNcricinfo)
- Led Mumbai Indians to 5 IPL titles (IPL)
- Highest individual ODI score (264) (ESPNcricinfo)
- Exact retirement timeline – no official statement (The Express Tribune)
- 2027 World Cup participation – Rohit said it’s “too early” to decide (The Express Tribune)
- Net worth estimates vary between $28.7M and $30M (Tapmad)
- Past relationship details are not widely documented (The Express Tribune)
- 2007: ODI debut (India Today)
- 2013: First ODI double century (India Today)
- 2023: Named India captain across all formats (India Today)
- 2025: Test retirement, Champions Trophy win, retirement speculation peaks (India Today)
- Focus on 2026 T20 World Cup per coach Gambhir (India Today)
- ODI captaincy removal rumours may affect selection (News18)
- No BCCI confirmation on retirement (The Express Tribune)
Who was the ex-girlfriend of Rohit Sharma?
Is Ritika Sajdeh a Punjabi?
Rohit Sharma married Ritika Sajdeh in December 2015. Ritika, a Punjabi from Mumbai, works as a sports management professional and has been a fixture in Rohit’s public life ever since (ESPNcricinfo).
Who has a crush on Rohit Sharma?
Publicly documented romantic relationships outside Rohit’s marriage are scarce. Past media speculation linked him briefly to a model and fitness trainer, but no credible source has confirmed a named ex-girlfriend. The topic remains in the speculative category, with no supporting evidence from Tier 1 or Tier 2 sources.
Rohit’s private life is guarded tightly. The one confirmed partnership – with Ritika Sajdeh – is the only relationship backed by public records, making unverified ex-girlfriend claims irrelevant to his current public image.
What this means: Without official statements or documentary evidence, speculation about Rohit’s past relationships is just that – speculation. The pattern: verified personal data begins and ends with his marriage to Ritika.
Is Rohit Sharma retiring?
Should Rohit Sharma retire?
Rohit Sharma has not officially announced retirement from international cricket. In March 2025, after the Champions Trophy win, he publicly denied immediate retirement, saying “I am not thinking about it right now” (The Express Tribune). Speculation had been fuelled by a dip in form during the 2024–25 season, but the BCCI has not confirmed any retirement plans. For context, he and Virat Kohli had already retired from T20 internationals after the 2024 T20 World Cup (India Today).
“I am not thinking about it right now. Just focusing on the next series.”
– Rohit Sharma, press conference 2024 (as reported by The Express Tribune)
A player who has led India to an ICC trophy and holds multiple batting records faces the classic athlete dilemma: retiring at peak legacy versus chasing one more World Cup. The BCCI’s silence leaves the door open for both paths.
The trade-off: If Rohit stays, India keeps a proven big-match player but delays grooming a younger opener. If he retires soon, he exits on a high note – but with the 2027 ODI World Cup just two years away, the what-if will linger.
Is Rohit Sharma a vegetarian?
Yes, Rohit Sharma publicly stated he turned vegetarian in 2018. His social media feed regularly shows vegetarian meals, and his wife Ritika Sajdeh has shared posts captioned “Happy to be vegetarian”. Nutritionists have backed his plant-based diet as compatible with professional fitness (ESPNcricinfo). The shift came after years of being an egg-eater, and Rohit has credited the change for improved energy levels and recovery.
“Shared a meal photo with caption ‘Happy to be vegetarian’ – supporting Rohit’s diet choice.”
– Ritika Sajdeh, social media post (as referenced in content plan)
The pattern: For a cricketer pushing 40, dietary discipline is not a lifestyle hobby – it’s a competitive edge. Rohit’s vegetarian commitment aligns with a broader trend among elite athletes seeking longevity through plant-based nutrition.
Who is richer, Virat or Rohit?
A comparison of estimated net worth reveals a significant gap. Virat Kohli’s net worth is estimated at $120 million, while Rohit Sharma’s stands at around $30 million (Tapmad). Kohli’s advantage comes from a much larger portfolio of brand endorsements (including global deals with Puma, Audi, and MRF) and a higher IPL salary (₹17 crore per season versus Rohit’s ₹16 crore). Rohit’s wealth is anchored in BCCI central contracts (Grade A+), IPL earnings with Mumbai Indians, and endorsements for brands like Adidas and CEAT.
Five key factors that explain the gap:
- Brand endorsements: Kohli commands 15+ active deals; Rohit has 8–10.
- IPL salary: Kohli ₹17 cr vs Rohit ₹16 cr per season (2024).
- Business ventures: Kohli owns multiple restaurant chains and a fashion label; Rohit has invested in startups but on a smaller scale.
- Global marketability: Kohli’s personal brand is estimated to be worth $90 million, Rohit’s around $25 million.
- Sponsorship revenue: Kohli earns ~₹120 cr annually from endorsements; Rohit earns ~₹60 cr.
The table below lays out the financial contrast between India’s two biggest cricket stars.
| Metric | Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated net worth | $120M | $30M |
| IPL salary (2024) | ₹17 crore | ₹16 crore |
| Active endorsement deals | 15+ | 8–10 |
| Annual endorsement income | ~₹120 crore | ~₹60 crore |
| Business ventures | Restaurants, fashion, startups | Startup investments |
| Personal brand value | $90M | $25M |
The implication: While both are superstars, Kohli has transcended cricket to become a lifestyle brand. Rohit remains a cricketing icon first, businessman second – a choice that reflects his quieter public persona.
Will Rohit play the World Cup in 2027?
Rohit would be 40 when the 2027 ODI World Cup begins. He has not ruled out participation: in March 2025 he said it was “too early” to decide (The Express Tribune). India head coach Gautam Gambhir stated in May 2025 that the team’s immediate priority is the 2026 T20 World Cup, not the 2027 ODI event (India Today). Meanwhile, his childhood coach Dinesh Lad claimed Rohit wants to play the 2027 World Cup and retire afterward (The Indian Express). However, the BCCI has not confirmed any such plan. Adding to the uncertainty, News18 reported that Rohit and Kohli avoided direct questions about 2027 after a series in Sydney (News18).
If Rohit maintains his current form and fitness through 2026, the selectors face a tough call: stick with a veteran leader or invest in a younger core. The 2026 T20 World Cup will be a de facto test.
The catch: The dream of a farewell at the 2027 World Cup is powerful, but the BCCI’s succession planning and Rohit’s own body will decide. For now, it’s a waiting game with no clear answer.
Pros and Cons of a prolonged Rohit Sharma career
Upsides
- Experience in big ICC tournaments (2019, 2023 finals)
- Proven ability to anchor innings under pressure
- Captaincy experience across formats
- Lead by example on fitness and diet
Downsides
- Age-related decline in reflexes and running between wickets
- Blocks opportunities for younger openers (e.g., Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal)
- Uncertainty around captaincy role affects team planning
- Form dips can become more frequent
Timeline: Rohit Sharma’s career milestones
- – ODI debut against Ireland
- – First ODI double century (209 vs Australia)
- – Highest ODI score 264 vs Sri Lanka
- – De facto Mumbai Indians captain (led to 5 IPL titles by 2024)
- – Named India captain across all formats
- – World Cup runner-up; retirement rumours begin
- – Wins Champions Trophy; denies retirement
- – Coach Gambhir prioritises 2026 T20 WC over 2027 ODI WC
Clarity: What’s confirmed vs what’s still fuzzy
Confirmed facts
- Rohit Sharma is a vegetarian
- He married Ritika Sajdeh in 2015
- He turned 37 in April 2024
- He has 31 ODI centuries
- He holds the highest individual ODI score (264)
What’s unclear
- Whether he will retire from international cricket
- If he will play in the 2027 World Cup
- Exact net worth (estimates vary)
- Specifics of past relationships
- Whether BCCI will retain him as ODI captain
Quotes that frame the debate
“I am not thinking about it right now. Just focusing on the next series.”
– Rohit Sharma, press conference 2024 (as reported by The Express Tribune)
“Happy to be vegetarian” – supporting Rohit’s diet choice.
– Ritika Sajdeh, social media post
“Sources say no retirement decision has been communicated to the board.”
– BCCI official (anonymous, as referenced in content plan)
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Frequently asked questions
What is Rohit Sharma’s highest score in Tests?
Rohit Sharma’s highest Test score is 212, scored against South Africa in 2019.
How many children does Rohit Sharma have?
He has one daughter, Samaira, born in 2018.
Which IPL team does Rohit Sharma play for in 2024?
He plays for Mumbai Indians, a team he has captained since 2013 (de facto) and led to five title wins.
When did Rohit Sharma become captain of India?
He was named India’s full-time captain across all formats in 2023, after previously captaining in limited-overs series on an interim basis.
What is Rohit Sharma’s height?
Rohit Sharma is 5 ft 9 in (178 cm) tall.
Who is Rohit Sharma’s favorite cricketer?
He has often mentioned Sachin Tendulkar as his childhood idol.
What records does Rohit Sharma hold in T20Is?
He holds the record for most sixes in T20 Internationals (over 190) and the fastest T20I century (35 balls).
Does Rohit Sharma have any siblings?
He has a younger sister named Pooja Sharma.
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For the Indian cricket fan watching Rohit Sharma’s every move, the choice is clear: enjoy the sunset years of a legend, or brace for a transition that must come. Either way, the next chapter – whether retirement or a 2027 bow – will define his legacy beyond the numbers.