The result of the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy final could be a litmus test for Rohit Sharma’s leadership and the BCCI contracts. The impact of the Champions Trophy final on Indian cricket is crucial as they lay plans for the next four years leading into the 2027 ODI World Cup and the current cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC).

According to a ToI report, the outcome is expected to have a bearing on captain Rohit Sharma’s future, with the BCCI believed to be keen on establishing stable leadership in the next two years. Sources say that discussions over Rohit captaincy in ODIs and Tests are on the cards.

The delayed announcement of the new BCCI central contracts was also deferred until after the final against New Zealand, allowing the BCCI to assess the players’ performances.

Reportedly, Ajit Agarkar, chief selector, and Gautam Gambhir, head coach, had already discussed the matter with the board and Rohit after the Australian tour. It is believed that Rohit was also amenable to discussing a roadmap for the future of the team post-Champions Trophy.

Change in BCCI Central Contracts on Cards?

Traditionally, the BCCI announces contracts for annual retainership ahead of holding the IPL, but due to the disappointing Test season of India, awaiting the results of the Champions Trophy before finalizing contracts was decided upon.

Sources say that the board is also re-evaluating the criteria for Grade A+ contracts, now with the likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja being associated with.

Usually, the BCCI reserves A+ contracts for players who excel across all three formats; but with Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja stepping back from T20 internationals and having had a tough Test season, their positions could be in jeopardy. A solid showing at the Champions Trophy could help them save their prized position, though.

Axar, KL and Pant to be promoted?

There is also talk about the call between Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant in A-star. Shreyas Iyer, who lost his contract last year due to disciplinary issues, is likely to get reinstated. Kohli’s stellar performance during the Champions Trophy has added strength to his argument for his highest contract retention.

Interestingly, MS Dhoni renounced white-ball leadership two years before the World Cup of 2019, which enabled Kohli to settle into the role. The same happened when Kohli resigned from white-ball captaincy in 2021, giving Rohit two years to carry the team into the 2023 ODI World Cup.

When is the 2027 Cricket World Cup?

The 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup will be the 14th edition of the prestigious tournament. It is scheduled to take place in October and November 2027, following a round-robin and knockout format.

This edition will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. While South Africa and Zimbabwe have co-hosted the event once before in 2003, it will be Namibia’s first time hosting the tournament. A total of 14 teams from around the world will compete in 54 matches to claim the title.

India will aim to avenge their loss in the previous final, while Australia will enter the tournament as defending champions, having defeated India in the last edition.