BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has firmly rejected that the next ODI with England scheduled for Lord’s will be Rohit Sharma’s last international.
With rumours of his retirement spreading around, Saikia said that there has been no discussion of Rohit’s retirement from international cricket. The veteran opener will continue to represent India and will be a part of the country’s ODI team, he said without naming a time frame.
Rumours surrounding Rohit’s future intensified during the second ODI in Cardiff after he managed just 26 runs following an earlier score of 11 in the series opener. The revelations led to a depressing report of a “nearing retirement,” from the 39-year-old was the international career coming to a close.
But also India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak sought to minimize concerns, feeling that Rohit will show a much-classier performance in the third ODI.
It had earlier been reported that the Indian selectors had told Rohit before the England series that they intent to gradually strengthen their opening bowling line-up with younger players for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was also said to have been in discussion for his future.
While there was talk of his retirement, the statement makes it clear that Saikia hasn’t made his decision.
A few days ago Rohit became India’s oldest male ODI bowler after beating Mohinder Amarnath to the record and is still being touted as a strong player in the team.
Lord’s will now be his focus as he aims to put the critics to bed with his performance against England.