Team India captain Rohit Sharma has affirmed his intention to keep playing for several more years, rejecting any speculation about retiring. The experienced opening batsman emphasized his focus on the present moment and stated that he isn’t looking too far ahead into the future.
After guiding the Men in Blue to their first ICC trophy in 11 years at the T20 World Cup last month, the 37-year-old announced his retirement from T20Is following the final against South Africa in Barbados on June 29. Despite this decision, he has chosen to continue participating in ODIs and Tests.
Nevertheless, with age catching up, discussions about retirement have started. Speaking at an event in the USA, the right-handed batsman remarked (as reported by 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.”
At least you will see me playing for a while! Says Rohit Sharma in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/wADSJZj6b5
— Vimal कुमार (@Vimalwa) July 14, 2024
Notably, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has already affirmed the veteran’s role as India’s captain for the Champions Trophy and World Test Championship next year.
Rohit Sharma is expected to be given rest during the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka
India’s key players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to be rested for the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, which includes three ODIs and as many T20Is starting on July 27. The T20Is will be held in Pallekele, while Colombo will host the ODIs.
KL Rahul is likely to lead the ODI team, while Hardik Pandya is anticipated to take over as captain for the T20Is in place of the 37-year-old Rohit Sharma. This series in Sri Lanka will also mark Gautam Gambhir’s debut as coach, succeeding Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup 2024.
Gambhir’s coaching credentials were bolstered by the Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2024 triumph, where he served as the franchise’s mentor. Despite lacking prior coaching experience, the former opener has stepped into this new role.
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