As speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s retirement continues to swirl, former Indian cricket captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar has criticized the unnecessary noise and urged people to give Rohit the space he deserves. Speaking out against the rampant rumors, Vengsarkar emphasized that Rohit, given his stature and contributions to Indian cricket, should be allowed to decide his future on his own terms.
Rumors about Rohit’s potential retirement from ODI cricket began circulating even before India’s triumphant victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the Indian skipper put all speculation to rest after leading the team to a historic win, firmly stating that he has no plans to step away from the game. Despite this, the chatter has persisted, prompting Vengsarkar to step in and address the issue.
### Dilip Vengsarkar Criticizes Retirement Speculation
Vengsarkar expressed his frustration over the unwarranted speculation, stressing that Rohit deserves the time and space to make decisions about his future. While the former captain refrained from commenting on how long Rohit would remain in contention for the next World Cup, he highlighted that several matches lie ahead before the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. Rohit’s form and fitness, Vengsarkar noted, will be the key factors in determining his future.
Praising Rohit’s leadership and batting prowess, Vengsarkar lauded the Hitman for guiding India to back-to-back ICC titles within just 10 months. He also dismissed the retirement rumors as baseless, stating, “It’s unwarranted. A player of his stature should get to decide about his future.”
### “I Am Not an Astrologer”: Dilip Vengsarkar
In an interview with PTI, Vengsarkar said, “I am not an astrologer. There are a lot of matches to go till the 2027 World Cup. A lot will depend on his form and fitness. It is not fair to say anything at this stage, but he has been outstanding as both captain and player.”
Vengsarkar further emphasized Rohit’s remarkable achievements, including his three double centuries in ODIs, and questioned why there was even a need for speculation. “What more do I say about him?” he added.
### Vengsarkar Praises Kohli and Rohit as Big-Match Players
The former captain also heaped praise on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, labeling them as big-match players who thrive on the grandest stages. Vengsarkar pointed out that their sheer presence on the field is enough to intimidate opponents, a crucial factor in India’s success in major tournaments.
“Guys like Virat and Rohit are big match players; the bigger the platform, the better the performance. It is very important from the team’s point of view. Their sheer presence is demoralizing the opposition,” Vengsarkar remarked.
### Champions Trophy 2025 Recap
Rohit Sharma concluded the Champions Trophy 2025 with 180 runs, while Virat Kohli amassed 218 runs across five innings, playing pivotal roles in India’s first ICC ODI title win in 12 years. With this victory, India now boasts three Champions Trophy titles, two ODI World Cups, and two T20 World Cups.
### Looking Ahead to IPL 2025
Following their Champions Trophy success, Rohit, Kohli, and other Indian stars will turn their attention to the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Rohit’s Mumbai Indians (MI) will face off against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai, while Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the season opener on March 22 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the next chapter, Vengsarkar’s message remains clear: let Rohit Sharma breathe and allow him to chart his own course in the game he has masterfully represented for years.
