‘No question of retirement’: BCCI dismisses speculation over Rohit Sharma’s future

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla flatly dismissed rumors about Rohit Sharma’s international future, saying there was “no doubt” the Indian opener would retire at this stage despite growing speculation during the recent tour of England.Questions over Rohit’s future gathered pace after a prolonged lean patch with the bat, with reports suggesting that the third ODI against England at Lord’s could potentially be his last appearance for India. However, the 39-year-old answered those doubts in emphatic fashion by smashing 138 off 110 balls to become the first Indian batsman to score an ODI hundred at the iconic venue.Talking to reporters, Shukla rubbished the retirement rumors and insisted that there was no truth in the speculations.“Rohit Sharma is part of our team and continues to play. The things doing the rounds in the media and social media are of no consequence. There is no talk of his retirement yet,” Shukla said.Rohit’s century at Lord’s also strengthened his own stance on his future. The Indian opener has consistently maintained that he wants to continue representing the country and remains determined to secure a place in the Indian squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Speaking to BCCI.tv after his match-winning innings, Rohit made it clear that outside speculation will not distract him from his duties.“My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That’s what I’ve been told to do since my debut, so that’s what I’m going to do,” Rohit said.“The noise has been there since my debut. And as long as I don’t stay here, it will always be there. So it doesn’t matter too much. The important thing is what I do on the field, I try to contribute to the success of the team. That’s all I’m focused on now. And let the noise be there. If there’s no noise, there’s no fun.”Shukla also brushed aside calls for changes in India’s leadership group following criticism leveled at captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir.“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,” Shukla said.Although Rohit’s century at Lord’s was one of the highlights of the tour, India finished the UK leg on a disappointing note. The visitors lost the ODI series against England 2-1 after earlier suffering a 2-0 defeat against Ireland and a 4-0 loss in the T20I series against England.