BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has dismissed speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s international future, insisting there is “no question” of the veteran India opener retiring at present. Shukla’s comments came days after Rohit delivered an emphatic response to questions over his future with a century at Lord’s during India’s ODI series against England.
Speaking to reporters in Agra during the mini-auction for the fourth season of the UP T20 League, Shukla said reports suggesting Rohit could soon call time on his international career carried little substance.
“Rohit Sharma is a part of our team and is continuing to play. The things being circulated in the media and on social media have no meaning. As of now, there is no question of his retirement,” Shukla said. Speculation over the 39-year-old’s ODI future had intensified during India’s tour of England following a prolonged lean run. There were suggestions that the third ODI at Lord’s could potentially be Rohit’s final appearance for India.
Rohit responded with the bat, smashing 138 off 110 deliveries and becoming the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s. The innings also came at a significant moment for Rohit, who has repeatedly maintained that he intends to continue playing and remains focused on earning a place in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Following his century, Rohit dismissed the outside discussion surrounding his future and stressed that his focus remained firmly on performing for India. “My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That's what I have been told to do since my debut so that's what I am going to do,” Rohit said in an interview published by BCCI.tv. “The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I am going to stay here, it is always going to be there. So it doesn't really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That's all my focus is right now. And let the noise be there. If there is no noise, there is no fun.”
Rajeev Shukla backs Gill-Gambhir combination
{{/usCountry}}Following his century, Rohit dismissed the outside discussion surrounding his future and stressed that his focus remained firmly on performing for India. “My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That's what I have been told to do since my debut so that's what I am going to do,” Rohit said in an interview published by BCCI.tv. “The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I am going to stay here, it is always going to be there. So it doesn't really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That's all my focus is right now. And let the noise be there. If there is no noise, there is no fun.”
Rajeev Shukla backs Gill-Gambhir combination
{{/usCountry}}Shukla also dismissed suggestions that India needed changes in its leadership structure amid scrutiny surrounding captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the decision on who stays in the team and who does not rests with the selectors. The Indian team is performing well and winning matches, so there is no need for any changes at present,” Shukla said.
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Despite Rohit’s century at Lord’s, India lost the ODI series 2-1, completing a difficult tour of the United Kingdom. India had earlier suffered a 2-0 series defeat against Ireland before losing the T20I series against England 4-0.
Shukla was in Agra for the UP T20 League mini-auction, where 282 players were placed in the auction pool for six franchises, with 45 players set to be picked. His latest remarks, coupled with Rohit’s own insistence that he remains focused on representing India, have for now pushed back against speculation that the former India captain is nearing the end of his international career.