Rohit Sharma not retiring: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla rubbishes rumours
Just days after Rohit Sharma emphatically quashed retirement speculation with a historic century at Lord’s, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla once again dismissed rumors surrounding the veteran opener’s future, insisting there was “no doubt” he would quit international cricket.
Speculation over Rohit’s ODI future intensified during India’s series in England after a long lean patch, with reports suggesting the third ODI at Lord’s could be his final appearance in Indian colours. The 39-year-old responded in trademark fashion, he smashed an amazing 138 off 110 balls becoming the first Indian batsman to score an ODI hundred at the Home of Cricket.
after shift Rohit made it clear that external chatter will not affect his thinking.
“My job is with the bat. Come play, represent my country… There has been noise since my debut. As long as I’m there, the noise will be there. It doesn’t matter about me. What matters is what I do on the field,” Rohit said, reiterating that he is looking for a place in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
On Friday in Agra, Shukla confirmed this message while launching the mini-auction for the fourth season of the UP T20 League.
“Rohit Sharma is part of our team and continues to play. The things that are doing the rounds in the media and social media are of no consequence. There is no talk of his retirement yet,” Shukla told reporters.
GILL-GAMBHIR JODI STAY
Shukla also backed India’s current management, rejecting suggestions that changes are needed at the top despite scrutiny around head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the decision of who stays in the team and who doesn’t is up to the selectors. The Indian team is performing well and winning matches, so there is no need for any changes at the moment,” he said.
Rohit Sharma’s magnificent century at Lord’s proved to be the only bright spot as India lost the ODI series 2-1. It ended a disappointing UK tour with the visitors previously whitewashed 2-0 by Ireland and beaten 4-0 by England in the T20I series.
The BCCI vice-president was in Agra for the UP T20 League mini-auction where he highlighted the growing role of the tournament in nurturing young talent from the state.
He said the league has become a major platform for budding cricketers and pointed out that 18 players from Uttar Pradesh are currently playing in the IPL, with several of them getting franchise contracts after impressing in the UP T20 League.
Shukla also spoke about UPCA’s nationwide ‘Speed Hunt’ initiative, through which 38 fast bowlers capable of hitting speeds of 135 kmph or more were identified and given an opportunity in a mini auction. He expressed confidence that the program will help produce more quality fast bowlers from the state.
He added that while only a limited number of players get opportunities in the Ranji Trophy, the UP T20 League gives more than 120 young cricketers competitive exposure, which he calls the biggest strength of the tournament.
President of the UPCA, Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, said six franchises bid for 282 players during the mini-auction, of which 45 will be selected. He added that 10 players were listed at a base price of Rs 5 crore, 45 at Rs 3.5 crore and the remaining players at Rs 2.5 crore. Also included in the auction pool were 12 fast bowlers identified through the “Speed Hunt”.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
24 Jul 2026 23:44 IST