Rohit Sharma openly declares his future

As India prepares for the three-match ODI series against South Africa, Rohit Sharma has given insight into the mindset that keeps him going even at this stage of his career. Before the first ODI in Ranchi on November 30 (Sunday), Rohit Sharma opened up about the hunger and discipline that still fuel him every time he walks out to represent the country.

Rohit made it clear that his motivation has never depended on age. Whether he was a 20-year-old newcomer or the 38-year-old senior figure he is today, the inner push to perform for India has stayed constant. He said that wearing the Indian jersey still brings the same fire it did in his early days.

Rohit Sharma reveals the mindset driving him ahead of South Africa ODIs

Rohit Sharma said in a video posted by BCCI on its official website: “Look, the drive and willingness are not just now; every time you come out and represent your country, the drive and willingness are always the same. So, it doesn't matter whether you are 38 or 28.”

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The former Indian captain also explained how ODI cricket demands a blend of different skills. Rohit said that ODI cricket is a mix of Test cricket’s patience and T20 cricket’s urgency. As an opener, he knows the challenge starts from the very first ball when the ball is new and swinging.

ODI cricket is a mixture of Test and T20: Rohit Sharma

Rohit further explained, “ODI cricket is a mixture of Test and T20 together, put together. So, you need to be that skillful to go out there and handle both skill sets. Especially for me, because I open the batting when the ball is nice and hard and new.

I know the ball swings. So, you need to bring your Test cricket mindset in there. Try and leave the ball as much as you can, and play close to the body.”

Rohit Sharma says his competitive spirit remains as strong as ever

Reflecting on how his approach has not changed despite the gaps between matches, Rohit noted, “I started playing at 20. My drive was very similar to what it is now. The mindset of coming out and doing well, giving your best, whatever you have inside you, giving whatever you have, has remained the same.”

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He signed off by saying, “Whether I'm coming after a one-month gap or whether I'm coming after six or seven months, the drive and willingness is to come out and perform and be the performer for the team. And that will always remain. Till the time I play this sport, whichever format, wherever I play, this is never going to go.”

𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀, 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 — "Keep getting better"

𝗢bsession, 𝗗rive, 𝗜ntent, ft. @ImRo45 🤝 @imVkohli #TeamIndia gear up for the ODI series

🔽 Watch | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank https://t.co/nHuZ8yPdH0

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 30, 2025

Rohit Sharma targets big impact in South Africa ODIs after dominating Australia tour

Notably, Rohit has already retired from Test cricket earlier this year, and last year, he finished his T20I career with the ICC T20 World Cup triumph. Now, he is only focusing on the ODI cricket, and he was last seen in action in Australia, where he was Player of the Series.

Now, the right-handed batter would be eager to continue his form in the three-match ODI series against South Africa. Following the Proteas ODIs, Rohit is likely to play Vijay Hazare Trophy games before returning to national duty for another home series against New Zealand.