Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has thrown his weight behind Rohit Sharma, strongly criticizing the intense public speculation and rumors surrounding veteran opener’s potential retirement from ODI cricket.
The retirement rumors intensified after Rohit scored cheaply (11 and 26 runs) in the first two ODIs during India's series against England in July. Critics and reports began suggesting that the final ODI at Lord's would be his last international appearance.
However, Rohit silenced the doubters by smashing a magnificent 138 off 110 balls in that series-deciding third ODI at the Home of Cricket.
Speaking right before India's home ODI series against the West Indies, Rahane highlighted that senior players deserve respect and such unnecessary outside noise inevitably plays on a player's mind, regardless of their experience. He emphasized how crucial Rohit's presence remains for India's upcoming World Cup campaign.
"First of all, why did this topic even come out and why were people even talking about it? A player like him has been performing consistently over the years so this question should not have come up at all. No matter how senior a player you are, these things affect your mind. It is important to respect senior players. We know how important his experience will be in the World Cup. It does play on your mind, but knowing Rohit, I know he would have ignored all this," Rahane said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Rahane asserted that Rohit’s selection in the team for the West Indies series should put these questions to rest. He further stressed that a healthy balance of seasoned senior players and newcomers is vital for success in high-pressure and important games.
"These questions will not rise again because he is in the team for the West Indies series. This will stop now, which is a very good team. In important games, experience is handy. It is important to have a blend of experience and new comers. With the World Cup in a year, Rohit being there is important. He will look to maintain his rhythm and flow. He will play each series with the same hunger and intensity. His experience on the field as a senior player is also important," Rahane added.
With Rohit and Virat Kohli both in their late 30s and retired from Test and T20I formats, sections of the cricket community have been pushing for a transition to younger talent.
Rahane argued that instead of looking prematurely toward the future, Indian cricket must value the world-class experience it currently possesses, emphasizing that legends of their caliber are irreplaceable.
"Both Rohit and Virat are experienced. There are no bigger batters than them in ODIs. We all know Virat's record and the consistency with which he scores. Nobody can question that. When you have these two, you should look at supporting them, carrying them, and looking at how you can use their experience. It is easy to look at the future, but you need to look at what is in your hands at present. You will not get players like them again and it will take a lot of time," he remarked.
