India batter Rohit Sharma has put an end to speculation surrounding his international future, making it clear that retirement is not on his mind despite India’s ODI series loss to England. The experienced opener addressed the rumours in an interview with the BCCI after the visitors went down 2-1 in the three-match series.

The speculation gained momentum after reports suggested Rohit could be dropped following the third ODI and might announce his retirement after the match. Those claims were first rejected by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who confirmed that the veteran batter would continue representing India beyond the England tour. Rohit has now echoed that message himself.

Rohit Sharma says outside noise does not affect him

Speaking after the series, Rohit said he has learned to ignore outside opinions and remains focused only on contributing to the team’s success whenever he takes the field. “My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country. That’s what I have been told to do since I made my debut. That’s what I am going to do. Since I made my debut, the noise was there. Till the time I am going to be there, the noise will be there. It doesn’t matter to me. What matters is what I do on the field. I want to try and contribute to the success of the team. That’s all my focus is,” Rohit said.

The India opener added that public discussion around his career has been a constant throughout his time in international cricket and is not something that concerns him.

“If there is no noise, there is no fun. My job is inside. Their job is outside. That’s how I look at it,” he added.

Rohit returns to form with Lord’s century

Although India lost the deciding ODI by 27 runs, Rohit delivered one of his finest knocks in recent times. The right-hander smashed 138 off 110 balls at Lord’s, striking 17 fours and five sixes.

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The century came after modest scores of 11 and 26 in the opening two matches of the series. While his efforts were not enough to prevent England from sealing the series, the innings marked an important return to form for the veteran batter.

Rohit has already retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, leaving ODIs as the only format in which he continues to represent India.

Shubman Gill also rejects retirement talk

India captain Shubman Gill also dismissed reports suggesting Rohit was preparing to retire after the Lord’s ODI. When asked about the rumours following India’s defeat, Gill said there had been no discussion within the dressing room regarding Rohit’s future.

“He’s not told us anything. I think it’s all out in the media, but there’s not been any discussion like that in the team,” Gill said.

Also Read | Rohit Sharma scripts history with first-ever Indian ODI ton at Lord’s

Rohit’s focus remains on the 2027 ODI World Cup

Earlier this year, Rohit had already made his long-term ambitions clear by expressing his desire to feature in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

During an ICC event in February, he spoke about his determination to lift cricket’s biggest 50-over prize.

Indian ex-captain Rohit Sharma
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Indian ex-captain Rohit Sharma | X [CricBuzz]

“I definitely want to go out there and win the World Cup for my country; that is something that I’ve always looked upon. I’ve grown up watching this 50-over World Cup. There was no T20 World Cup, no IPL back then, and that was the pinnacle of cricket, which used to happen every four years. So, there was desperation; there was so much weight for that one trophy. And yeah, I really want that trophy, so I’m going to try and do everything in my power and capacity to work hard and get it,” Rohit said.

With both the BCCI and Rohit himself dismissing the speculation, the experienced opener has made it clear that his attention remains firmly on playing for India and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.

FAQs

Did Rohit Sharma announce his retirement from international cricket?

No. Rohit Sharma dismissed the retirement rumours and said his focus remains on representing India and contributing to the team’s success.

What did Rohit Sharma score in the third ODI against England?

Rohit Sharma scored 138 off 110 balls, hitting 17 fours and five sixes in the third ODI at Lord’s.