[Watch] "You will be seeing me play for a while" - Team India skipper Rohit Sharma shuts down retirement talks
Team India captain Rohit Sharma has vowed to continue playing for a few more years, shutting down retirement talks. The veteran opening batter also said his focus is on the present and that he is not thinking too far into the future.
The 37-year-old helped the Men in Blue end their 11-year ICC trophy drought by leading them to glory at the T20 World Cup last month. He announced his retirement from T20Is following the final against South Africa in Barbados on June 29 but decided to continue featuring in ODIs and Tests. However, being on the wrong side of the 30s, conversations about retirement have begun.
Speaking at an event in the USA, the right-handed batter said (via journalist Vimal Kumar's X handle):
"I just said it. I don't do that far ahead. So clearly, you will be seeing me play for a while."
It's worth noting that BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has already confirmed the veteran as India's skipper for the Champions Trophy and World Test Championship next year.
Rohit Sharma likely to be rested for white-ball tour of Sri Lanka
India's key players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be rested for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, where the tourists will play three ODIs and as many T20Is, beginning on July 27. Pallekele will host the T20Is, while Colombo will be the host for the 50-over games.
KL Rahul could captain the ODI team and Hardik Pandya is likely to fill in for the 37-year-old as the T20I skipper. The series in the Island nation will also mark Gautam Gambhir's first series as coach. He has replaced Rahul Dravid, who chose to depart after the T20 World Cup 2024.
Gambhir's credentials increased after the Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2024 victory. He was serving as the mentor of the franchise. However, the former opener has no prior coaching experience.