'Got no eye yet on retiring': Adil Rashid aims for 2027 ODI World Cup as he celebrates 200 ODI wickets

NEW DELHI: Adil Rashid, England's spinner, has made history by becoming the first spinner from England to reach 200 wickets in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He achieved this milestone during the second ODI against Australia.
Despite this achievement, Rashid is not planning to retire soon. He aims to continue playing until the 2027 ODI World Cup.
England's cricket team is in a state of transition following the injury of captain Jos Buttler.Young Harry Brook has stepped up to lead, while interim coach Marcus Trescothick manages the squad temporarily. The coaching leadership will see further changes when Brendon McCullum assumes the white-ball coaching role in addition to his Test coaching responsibilities.
Amid these changes, Adil Rashid remains a pivotal player for England's white-ball team. Rashid, 36, has committed to the team with a central contract from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) valid until the end of 2025. His goals include playing in the Champions Trophy next year, the 2026 T20 World Cup, and the 2027 50-over World Cup.
Rashid aims to be an essential part of England's plans moving forward during this transitional phase.
England is currently facing a challenge, trailing 2-0 in the five-match series after being all out for 202 runs in a 271-run chase in the last ODI. Another loss would lead to a series defeat for England, which has lost 10 of its last 14 ODIs.
In an interview with ESPNCricinfo before the third ODI against Australia in Chester-Le-Street, Rashid shared his thoughts.
Rashid, close friend and spin partner of Moeen, recognizes Moeen's absence. Rashid will be playing his 138th ODI on Tuesday, the same number Moeen had at the end of his career. Concerns about Rashid's retirement have been put to rest for now.
In Moeen's absence, Rashid is expected to take on more responsibility by mentoring young spinners like Rehan Ahmed. Rashid has already been involved in guiding several spinners in county cricket, including Rehan and Jafer Chohan.
"He [Moeen] is a big miss for the team and a big miss for me because we are really good friends on and off the pitch. He has made that decision and got another chapter of his life with the remainder of his career, and I am sure he will do wonders," said Rashid.
"With Mo not being there, my input will obviously be a little bit more, speaking to the youngsters and them coming to me."
"That is the ultimate aim. Whatever I have got in terms of experience, form, ups and downs, the knowledge I have, I can pass that on. It could be in terms of mindset or technical things. I am trying to do that now as well, with the youngsters I am working with."
"I have worked with Rehan Ahmed, I have worked with Jafer [Chohan] at Yorkshire. There is a few around the circuit, they are in competition, which is healthy, and they can compete to become that No. 1 spinner."
Rashid also shared this thoughts about his retirement.
"I have not thought about it [retirement] yet. Keep playing, enjoy it, stay fit, bowl well, contribute to wins, hopefully World Cups and Champions Trophies--that is my ultimate aim," said Rashid ahead of the game as quoted by ESPNCricinfo as per ANI.
"I am playing each game and each series as it comes, and if I am still enjoying it and performing well, I will keep carrying on. To play for this long and take the wickets I have, I had never, ever dreamt of that, so hopefully I can carry it on. It has been an enjoyable ride with ups and downs, and hopefully I can stay on the up for the remainder of my career."
"I have got no eye yet on retiring or anything like that--that has not even crossed my mind. It is about enjoying the game and still giving it everything I have got."
Joe Root and Ben Stokes are anticipated to rejoin the white-ball squad ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The team's recent loss of Moeen Ali, who retired from international cricket this month, is particularly impactful.
Rashid's journey to becoming a world-class spinner included playing 76 out of 81 ODIs between the 2015 and 2019 World Cups under Eoin Morgan's leadership. During this time, Rashid contributed significantly to England's status as a top-tier white-ball team.
As England aims to bounce back after disappointing performances in recent 50-over and T20 World Cups, Rashid continues to be a vital player. His experience and knowledge remain crucial for the team's efforts to succeed.