Rohit Sharma, the legendary captain who led India to a historic victory in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, has been appointed as the Tournament Ambassador for the upcoming 2026 edition. The International Cricket Council (ICC) made the announcement on Tuesday, confirming that the "Hitman" will return to the tournament in a new capacity when the event takes place in India and Sri Lanka.

A New Role for a T20 Icon Sharma, who bid farewell to T20 Internationals immediately after lifting the trophy in Barbados earlier this year, expressed his excitement about staying associated with the marquee event.

"It is great to have the tournament back in India and for me to be associated once again with the tournament, this time in a new capacity as the Brand Ambassador," Sharma said. "I wish all the players the very best and hope they have a memorable time and enjoy India’s hospitality while taking back a lot of memories."

The 2026 edition is scheduled to be played from February 7 to March 8, 2026.

A Storied Legacy: 

From 2007 to 2024 Rohit Sharma holds the unique distinction of being one of the few players to have won the T20 World Cup twice, bookending his career with titles in the inaugural edition and his final tournament.

His journey began in 2007, where he played a pivotal role as a youngster in India's maiden triumph. He scored 88 runs in that tournament without being dismissed, including a crucial unbeaten 50 against South Africa in the Super Eights and a vital 30 not out in the final against Pakistan.

Seventeen years later, he orchestrated India's 2024 campaign that ended an 11-year drought for ICC trophies. Leading by example, Sharma was India’s highest run-getter in the tournament, amassing 257 runs at a blistering strike rate of 156.70. 

His aggressive starts were instrumental in India's dominance, highlighted by a stunning 92 off 41 balls against Australia in the Super Eights and a match-winning 57 off 39 in the semi-final against England.

Career Statistics Rohit retires from the format as a giant of the game, finishing with 4,231 runs in T20 Internationals at an average of 32.01 and a strike rate of 140.89. His appointment as ambassador ensures that while he may have put down the bat in this format, his presence will continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers on the world stage.