The retirement drama is over, Rohit and Gambhir are laughing on Lord’s balcony

A day after the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) rubbished speculations of Rohit Sharma’s ODI retirement, the Indian skipper was seen sharing a jovial moment with head coach Gautam Gambhir at the Lord’s balcony. Sharma, who was at the venue for India’s non-compulsory training session, hung out with the team management before starting practice.

Retirement rumours, which gained momentum following reports that the Indian team management wanted to move on from the veteran starter after the England series, were strongly dismissed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Friday. A board official clarified that Rohit is not leaving after Lord’s ODIs and has remained an integral part of India’s ODI set-up.

With the speculations put to rest, Rohit took part in India’s optional practice session at Lord’s on Saturday 18 July. The captain was seen in discussions with head coach Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak in a desperate bid to get back into form ahead of the series decider.

‘ROHIT WILL COME OUT OF THE SLUMP’

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel also threw his weight behind the out-of-form opener, saying that Rohit has already overcome similar phases.

“It was tough against the new ball when it was moving. Rohit Sharma can do it no doubt, he has done it in the past. Rohit has that experience and I’m sure he’ll come out of it,” Morkel said.

While Saikia ruled out Rohit’s retirement after the Lord’s ODI, he stopped short of confirming whether the veteran opener remains a part of India’s plans for the ODI World Cup 2027. With Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings, the selectors can still address Rohit’s future as India begin to build towards the tournament in South Africa.

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Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

18 Jul 2026 18:14 IST