The retirement chatter intensified after Rohit’s lean patch in the recently held England tour.
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has dismissed all speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma's retirement, firmly stating that there is "no question" of the veteran opening batter stepping away from international cricket.
Speaking to reporters in Agra, Shukla rubbished the media reports, reinforcing that Rohit remains an integral part of the squad.
“Rohit Sharma is a part of our team and is continuing to play. The things being circulated in the media and on social media have no meaning. As of now, there is no question of his retirement,” Shukla said.
The retirement chatter intensified after Rohit’s lean patch in the recently held England tour, with rumors incorrectly claiming the third ODI would serve as his farewell match.
However, the 39-year-old emphatically silenced his critics at Lord's, smashing 138 off 110 balls and becoming the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue.
Following the historic knock, Rohit Sharma brushed off outside chatter, citing that his sole focus remains on performing on the field and contributing to the Indian team.
“My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That's what I have been told to do since my debut so that's what I am going to do,” Rohit said in an interview published by BCCI.tv.
“The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I am going to stay here, it is always going to be there. So it doesn't really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That's all my focus is right now. And let the noise be there. If there is no noise, there is no fun.”
Shukla also backed India's current leadership, stating that captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir have the board's full support and that team selection decisions rest with the selectors.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the decision on who stays in the team and who does not rests with the selectors. The Indian team is performing well and winning matches, so there is no need for any changes at present,” Shukla stated.
Despite Rohit’s heroics at Lord’s, India conceded the ODI series 2-1 to England. Earlier on the tour of UK, the Men in Blue had suffered T20I clean sweeps against Ireland (2-0) and England (4-0).