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'Last ODI World Cup' - Karthik Makes Heart-Breaking Statement On Rohit Sharma

image-lnbjfnjkSharma will lead India in WC 2023 (AP Photo)

Dinesh Karthik paid a glowing tribute to Rohit Sharma as a modern-day batting giant and predicted that the experienced head is approaching what "could be his last ODI World Cup". 

The veteran wicketkeeper-batter reckons his longstanding friend and Indian skipper could bid farewell to the limited-overs game at the conclusion of the forthcoming quadrennial event on home shores. 

Rohit, who underwent the disappointment of missing the 2011 World Cup as a talented youngster, has seen life come full circle for him as he gears up to lead the country upon the return of the 50-over spectacle to India. However, it could also be his last appearance at the marquee competition and potentially his final white-ball assignment at the age of 36. 

The stalwart opening batter has been missing from India's senior T20I side over the past 12 months and is unlikely to retain his fitness standards and form in four years' time to commit to the 2027 edition of the World Cup in South Africa. 

"He (Rohit Sharma) is made for big things and has achieved a lot in his career. In many ways, this could be his last ODI World Cup. He's been a very close friend of mine. We have literally grown together as players and as people," Karthik told Cricbuzz. 

"He has a lovely family today, is a proper family man, and spends a lot of time in Mumbai with them, but most importantly, he is somebody who always remembers his roots. Even today, his closest friends are the same people who were there with him 20 years ago."

Karthik raved over Rohit's great service to Indian cricket over the years and his willingness to constantly adapt and transform his game and approach for the betterment of the team. Since 2021, Rohit has transitioned from a full-blown anchor to a proper top-order aggressor and has been hitting his runs at a strike-rate of 108.36 while averaging 45.31 in ODIs. 

"He is somebody who has changed his game so much. He was the highest run-getter in the 2019 World Cup. Even if he gets half the runs, I don't think he will care. He has said himself that he doesn't care about the runs he gets. It's all about trying to win this World Cup. The one that he has made sure is to walk the talk. He is always in a hurry to get Team India off to a good start and putting the opponent bowlers to rest," Karthik added. 


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