Dubai, March 10 – Indian captain Rohit Sharma has put an end to ongoing speculations about his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) following India’s Champions Trophy victory. Addressing the media after the final, Rohit made it clear that he has no immediate plans to retire and urged people not to spread rumors regarding his future in the format.
Speculations around Rohit's career had intensified since the Australia tour, with debates over his leadership and place in the squad. However, his match-winning 76-run innings against New Zealand in the final served as a strong statement, reaffirming his importance to the team. As per agency report, he emphasized that there are no specific future plans and that he intends to continue playing as long as circumstances allow.
Speaking about his aggressive approach during the powerplay, Rohit explained that it was a calculated strategy. He highlighted the importance of capitalizing on fielding restrictions in the first ten overs, as scoring becomes difficult once the field spreads and spinners take control. Acknowledging the slow nature of the pitch, he said that adapting his gameplay was essential. He chose to attack bowlers he was confident against, understanding that such an approach can sometimes lead to early dismissals. However, after the powerplay, he deliberately slowed down to anchor the innings.
Rohit expressed immense satisfaction in contributing to the team’s victory, recalling that despite his strong performances in the 2019 World Cup, the team’s failure to win the tournament had dampened his personal achievements. He stressed that scoring runs in a winning cause brings far greater joy than individual records.
There was considerable discussion about KL Rahul’s role at number six, but Rohit defended the team management’s decision, stating that Rahul’s ability to handle pressure made him a crucial asset in the middle order. The captain praised Rahul’s composure, emphasizing that his contributions in both the semi-final and final, though not big in numbers, were vital in shaping the outcome of the matches. Rahul’s presence, according to Rohit, not only provided stability in the batting lineup but also helped maintain a calm atmosphere in the dressing room.
Dedicating the Champions Trophy win to the entire nation, Rohit acknowledged the unwavering support of Indian fans. He reiterated that winning a final for the country is always special and that India’s passionate backing, irrespective of where the team plays, remains a key motivator for the players.
