Mumbai Indians (MI) scored 162/6 against Delhi Capitals (DC) despite a poor start. Rohit Sharma believes it is a good score considering the slow nature of the pitch.

In this innings, besides captain Suryakumar Yadav (51 runs), Rohit scored 35 runs. During a conversation with broadcasters about the DRS moment with Kuldeep Yadav, where Rohit avoided being out, the former MI captain mentioned that he knows Kuldeep well and that he likes to take DRS. Rohit was trying to test his luck at that moment but got out in the next over.

He wanted to bat as long as possible but couldn't, although he enjoyed some fun with teammates on the field. Rohit noted that Kuldeep takes DRS as soon as he sees a 50-50 chance, and he was just trying his luck. He felt that the pitch was quite slow and emphasized the need to stay at the crease, spend some time, and then try to play some shots, as it was not easy.

He expressed hope that they could put pressure on the opposition in the first six overs and try to take some early wickets to see how the game unfolds. Rohit observed that it seemed challenging to play shots in the first innings and mentioned having bowlers who could take advantage of the situation. He believed that if they managed to apply pressure in the first six overs, they would gain significant control over the game, allowing their spinners and seamers to play their roles.

Rohit felt that playing 'through the line' shots would not be effective on this slow pitch, noting that it was a two-paced pitch, even with the new ball, and playing straight shots consistently was not easy. He emphasized the importance of understanding where to hit the ball and expressed confidence in their bowlers' ability to exploit these conditions.

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Raipur, December 2. Amidst rumors regarding the atmosphere in the dressing room, India's hopes of winning the second ODI against South Africa on Wednesday and sealing the series will largely depend on the magnificent form of Virat Kohli and the commanding presence of Rohit Sharma. India defeated South Africa by 17 runs in the first match held in Ranchi, powered by Kohli's 52nd ODI century and an aggressive 57-run knock by Rohit.

With the ODI World Cup 2027 still two years away, every match serves as a platform for Kohli and Rohit to prove their fitness and form, though the issue of reported growing differences with Head Coach Gautam Gambhir remains a significant talking point. As per agency report, amidst the speculations surrounding this matter, it appears that the BCCI may need to intervene at some stage. The duo has strengthened their claim for the World Cup in South Africa, having been the architects of India's victories in the last two ODIs, including a nine-wicket win over Australia in Sydney in October where Rohit performed brilliantly. The silence from Selection Committee Head Ajit Agarkar and Gambhir regarding the participation of these two veterans in the World Cup could be a potential reason for the underlying tension.

Despite winning the first match, concerns remain for the Indian team regarding their middle order and bowling execution. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who performed effectively in List A cricket, was sent in at number four but did not appear ready for the role, while stand-in captain KL Rahul batted at number six. Washington Sundar, who has become accustomed to experiments in the batting order, was sent in at number five after batting at number three in the Kolkata Test against South Africa, but he failed to play a substantial innings and bowled only three overs conceding 18 runs. In the pace department, Harshit Rana took two wickets with the new ball but conceded many runs later, an area requiring control especially under the new ICC rule where only one of the two available balls can be used between the 34th and 50th overs. Kuldeep Yadav claimed four wickets for 68 runs, proving expensive but effective with his variations which ultimately halted South Africa's comeback attempt.

South Africa had lost three wickets for just 11 runs in the previous encounter before staging a remarkable recovery, with Marco Jansen scoring 70 off 39 balls and Matthew Breetzke scoring 72 runs in his first ODI against India. The visiting team played the first ODI without captain Temba Bavuma and spinner Keshav Maharaj, who were rested, but their return is expected to strengthen the squad for the upcoming match. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium has hosted only one ODI previously in January 2023, where Indian pacers utilized the seam movement to bowl out New Zealand for 108 runs, leading to an eight-wicket victory. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM.

Dubai, October 29: Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma has achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings for the first time in his illustrious career.

As per agency report, the 38-year-old veteran climbed two places to secure the No. 1 position following his match-winning unbeaten century (121 not out) in the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His dominant performance led India to a resounding nine-wicket victory.

The right-handed opener displayed his trademark aggressive style, smashing 13 fours and three sixes during his 33rd ODI century while building a solid partnership with fellow Indian star Virat Kohli, who remained unbeaten on 74 runs. Rohit’s innings helped him surpass Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran and India’s Shubman Gill to claim the top spot in the latest ODI batting rankings.

Several other Indian players have also improved their standings in the newly released ICC rankings. All-rounder Axar Patel moved up four places to eighth in the all-rounders’ list and six places to 31st among bowlers. Meanwhile, New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner climbed three spots to fourth in the bowlers’ rankings, and Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood advanced two places to eighth.

England’s Harry Brook also made a significant leap in the batting chart, rising 23 places to 25th after scoring a century in the first ODI against New Zealand.

Kolkata, August 10 – Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has described the One-Day International records of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as exceptional, saying the two stalwarts should continue playing the 50-over format as long as their performances remain strong.

Speculation in sections of the media has suggested that the upcoming tour of Australia could be their last in ODIs. When asked about this, Ganguly said he had no information on such matters and therefore could not comment. However, he emphasised that performance should be the key factor in deciding the length of their careers.

According to Ganguly, anyone performing well should keep playing. He praised both Kohli and Rohit for their achievements in limited-overs cricket, calling their records in the format extraordinary. Both players have retired from Tests and T20 Internationals but have not yet clarified their plans for the 2027 World Cup.

India’s ODI series in Australia will begin on October 19, with matches scheduled in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney. This will be followed by a home series against South Africa in December, consisting of three ODIs. In 2026, the Indian team is also set to play two ODI series against New Zealand and further series against Afghanistan, England, and the West Indies.

As per agency report, speaking about the upcoming T20 Asia Cup starting in Dubai on September 9, Ganguly called India strong contenders for the title. He noted that the break after five demanding Test matches in England was much-needed for the players, who had also played in the IPL before the Tests. He believes India’s ODI side is even stronger than its Test unit and will be very difficult to beat on Dubai pitches.

On Shubman Gill’s future as Test captain, Ganguly praised the young leader and said he has a bright future ahead. He also revealed his readiness to return to cricket administration, confirming that he will file his nomination for the post of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president if members wish so. Ganguly previously served as CAB president from mid-2015 until October 2019 before taking over as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

New Delhi, May 15 – Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes there is no reason for concern following the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, noting that Indian cricket had previously recovered strongly after the retirement of the celebrated 'Fab Four'.

In the span of just one week, Indian cricket bid farewell to two modern-day greats, Rohit and Kohli, as they stepped away from the longest format of the game. Their departure has stirred anxiety among fans, but Manjrekar compared the current scenario to the retirement of the iconic quartet of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Sourav Ganguly.

As per agency report, Manjrekar shared his views through a video message on Instagram, recalling that similar concerns had emerged when the Fab Four exited international cricket. However, he pointed out that within a few years of their departure, India rose to become the number one Test team in the world.

He emphasized that as long as cricket remains popular in India, there will always be a steady influx of young, eager, and highly talented players vying for a spot in the national team. He added that the journey to the top is far from easy, ensuring that only truly exceptional individuals make it to the Indian squad.

Manjrekar acknowledged that the transition will take time, but insisted there is no need to panic. He highlighted how India’s bowling attack improved after the previous generation retired, expressing confidence that a similar evolution could unfold again, with new stars and bowlers emerging to take the team forward.

Reflecting on the current team, he noted that even when Kohli and Rohit were part of the lineup, India faced defeats—such as the 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home and a disappointing series in Australia. According to him, the new Indian team now has nothing to lose and should be given full support as it embarks on a fresh chapter.

Manjrekar concluded by extending his best wishes to the upcoming Indian Test team, underlining that India will continue to be among the top cricketing nations despite this transitional phase.

New Delhi, May 13 — Former Indian captain and legendary spinner Anil Kumble has expressed surprise at the sudden and quiet exit of veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, just weeks before India's tour of England. Speaking in an interview, Kumble stated that players of such stature deserved a farewell on the field, in front of their fans.

Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, having amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries across 123 Tests. His decision followed Rohit Sharma's announcement just days earlier, marking an end to an era in Indian red-ball cricket.

Kumble noted that while it is a player’s personal decision, it was unexpected given their continued importance to the team. He said it was surprising to see both stalwarts bow out so closely together and in such a quiet manner. As per agency report, Kumble emphasized that fans would have appreciated witnessing their farewell on the field rather than through social media updates.

The former India coach further commented that this pattern also echoed during the retirement of off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who had stepped away from the format mid-series and returned home. Kumble believes such players, who have given so much to Indian cricket, should ideally have had the opportunity to exit the game amidst applause and acknowledgment from the crowd.

Reflecting on the upcoming five-match Test series in England, set to begin on June 20, Kumble remarked that Kohli’s presence could have played a crucial role in such a challenging tour. He felt that one of either Kohli or Rohit should have continued at least through this series to lend experience and leadership to the team.

In the wake of Kohli's announcement, several current and former cricketers paid tribute to his contributions to Indian cricket. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj praised Kohli for inspiring countless players and said the dressing room would not feel the same without him. He thanked the senior batsman for his constant support and guidance.

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar also acknowledged Kohli’s impact, particularly his aggressive leadership in Test cricket. He credited Kohli for bringing a transformative approach to the team and underlined the importance of that aggression in the traditional format of the game.

With Kohli and Rohit’s exits, and Ashwin already retired, Indian Test cricket enters a new phase, and as Kumble suggested, it’s a transition that perhaps deserved a more fitting public farewell for three of its modern legends.

New Delhi, May 6 – Indian cricket team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir stated on Tuesday that senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should continue playing for the national team as long as they are performing well. However, he also clarified that he would have no say in their selection for the upcoming Test series in England.

Amid growing speculation about Rohit Sharma’s future as Test captain ahead of India’s tour of England, and subtle concerns about Kohli’s long-term presence in the team, Gambhir remained diplomatic while addressing their roles. Speaking at the ‘India at 2047’ summit hosted by ABP News, he emphasized that team selection falls under the purview of selectors, not the coach.

As per agency report, Gambhir explained that the coach's responsibility is limited to deciding the playing eleven from the squad chosen by selectors. He noted that previous coaches were never part of the selection committee, and the same applies to him.

When further pressed on the issue, Gambhir responded that as long as Sharma and Kohli continue to perform well, they deserve to remain in the team. He added that decisions about when to start or end a playing career are personal, and no coach, selector, or even the BCCI can dictate that.

He went on to say that if a player continues to contribute effectively, there should be no restriction based on age, suggesting that one could even play until 45 if fitness and form are maintained.

India is scheduled to tour England for a five-match Test series beginning on June 20. While Gambhir did not commit to a stance on the duo's future in the Test format, he did express optimism about their potential participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, depending entirely on their performance in the lead-up to the tournament.

Reflecting on their recent form, Gambhir acknowledged their strong showing in the Champions Trophy, contrasting it with the criticism they faced during the Australia tour for underwhelming performances in Tests.

He also dismissed the notion of planned farewells, arguing that players do not play the game with the expectation of a grand send-off. Instead, he urged that the focus should be on remembering the impact and contributions made by players to the country’s victories.

Gambhir concluded by saying that whether or not a formal farewell is given is insignificant in the grand scheme. The real honor, he said, lies in the love and respect of the country’s people — a far greater reward than any farewell ceremony.

Ahmedabad, March 30 – Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Rohit Sharma is going through a challenging phase in his career and now needs to push himself harder every day to regain form. Rohit’s poor run in IPL 2025 continued on Saturday as he managed to score only eight runs against Gujarat Titans. In his opening match of the season against Chennai Super Kings, he was dismissed for a duck in just four balls.

Speaking to JioStar, Manjrekar remarked that Rohit is no longer the same cricketer he was three or four years ago. According to him, Rohit has reached a stage in his career where natural talent alone will not be sufficient, and he needs to train with more intensity because things seem to be slipping from his grasp.

Rohit’s struggles are not limited to the IPL. His international performance has also been underwhelming in recent times. In 2024, he managed to score only one half-century in Test cricket with a modest average of 10.93. Even during the Champions Trophy, where he tried to provide India with aggressive starts, his only notable contribution came in the final with a single half-century.

Mumbai Indians, five-time champions, have lost both their opening matches of the season. Captain Hardik Pandya has stressed that the team’s batting unit must find its rhythm quickly and take responsibility. Manjrekar echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the current Mumbai batting line-up lacks stability and conviction. He noted that many of their batsmen rely heavily on pitches where the ball comes nicely onto the bat, and even then, like at Wankhede, they struggle to maintain high run rates of 12 to 13 per over.

Despite these concerns, Manjrekar believes that it is still early in the season and it would be premature to rule out Mumbai Indians. He recalled the 2014 season when the team made a comeback and eventually clinched the title, suggesting that a turnaround is still possible.

Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has stated that every player who represented the country in the last three ICC tournaments deserves respect for their commitment and resilience in achieving success despite various challenges. As per agency report, Sharma reflected on the team’s journey over the past nine months, describing it as a period filled with ups and downs that ultimately showcased the character of the squad.

India participated in three major ICC events during this period, losing just one of 24 matches — the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad, where Australia claimed victory. In contrast, India emerged victorious in last year’s T20 World Cup and this year’s ICC Champions Trophy. However, in the longer format, India suffered series defeats against New Zealand and Australia.

Speaking on a video posted by Mumbai Indians on their official ‘X’ page, Sharma highlighted the team's near-perfect record, suggesting that had India also won the ODI World Cup final, it would have been an unprecedented run of dominance across global tournaments. He emphasized that such success didn’t come easily and that the team had to navigate through many tough phases.

Sharma credited every member who played in these tournaments, acknowledging their efforts and stating that they are all worthy of recognition. He added that the journey was not just about victory but also about personal and collective growth during challenging times.

The comments come at a time when top officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) were expected to meet to plan for the future, although the meeting has since been postponed.

Sharma also addressed those players who might be struggling or feeling disheartened, urging them to stay determined and focused on rising again. He recounted how India lost home series and performed below expectations in Australia, only to bounce back and win the Champions Trophy — illustrating the unpredictable nature of cricket and life.

Tracing the shift in mindset to 2022, Sharma said the transformation began after India's T20 World Cup semifinal loss in Australia. He said players were then given clarity about expectations and the freedom to play with confidence. While some series were lost, the team stayed committed to the process without panic.

Reflecting on Mumbai Indians’ poor performance in the previous IPL season, Sharma admitted it was a tough phase but stressed the importance of patience and the determination to bounce back. He revealed that he had been focused on concluding his T20 career, which he did on a high note by winning the T20 World Cup.

He concluded by saying that the triumph would not have been possible without the collective effort of the team. The entire squad contributed to the success, staying united throughout the tournament.

New Delhi, March 13 – Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has dismissed speculations about Rohit Sharma’s retirement, stating that the Indian captain remains one of the finest leaders in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and has no reason to step away from the game.

Speculation around Rohit’s retirement had intensified following India’s victory in the ICC Champions Trophy, but the 37-year-old captain denied the rumors after leading his team to its third title in the tournament.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers emphasized Rohit’s exceptional win percentage as captain, which stands at approximately 74 percent—one of the best among past captains. He added that if Rohit continues to play, he will be remembered as one of the greatest ODI captains of all time.

De Villiers highlighted Rohit’s crucial contribution in the Champions Trophy final, where he scored 76 runs to provide India with a solid start, laying the foundation for victory. He lauded Rohit’s ability to lead from the front under immense pressure and questioned why the Indian captain should even consider retirement.

He further noted that Rohit’s performance as a batsman has also evolved over time. Comparing his past performances, de Villiers pointed out that Rohit’s strike rate during the powerplay was not as high initially, but since 2022, it has surged to 115. This transformation, he said, is what differentiates great players from good ones.

With these remarks, de Villiers reinforced the belief that Rohit Sharma remains a crucial figure in Indian cricket, both as a captain and a batsman, and should continue leading the team without paying attention to external criticism.

Dubai, March 12 – Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting believes that Rohit Sharma remains a formidable player and could continue leading the Indian team until the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. As per agency report, Ponting emphasized that Rohit has achieved success in every ICC tournament except the ODI World Cup and will likely aim for the prestigious title before considering retirement.

Under Rohit's captaincy, India came close to winning the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil but fell short in the final against Australia. Ponting, speaking on ICC Review, stated that Rohit appears to have a clear vision for his future in cricket and is determined to continue performing at the highest level.

The former Australian captain remarked that discussions about a player's retirement often intensify when they reach a certain stage in their career, even when they are still performing well. He highlighted Rohit’s crucial innings in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand as proof of his continued excellence. Ponting believes that Rohit wanted to put an end to speculation about his retirement and affirm his commitment to the Indian team.

Rohit took over as India's captain in 2021 at the age of 34, and under his leadership, India secured the Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand in the final by four wickets. Prior to that, he had led India to victory in the T20 World Cup held in the West Indies. In the Champions Trophy final, India chased down a target of 252 with Rohit scoring a crucial 76 off 83 balls, setting the foundation for an easy win.

Following the final, Rohit categorically dismissed retirement rumors during a press conference, stating that he had no plans to step away from the format and urging people to stop spreading misinformation.

Ponting believes that Rohit's desire to win an ODI World Cup could be a driving force behind his decision to continue playing. He suggested that after the disappointment of the 2023 World Cup final loss, Rohit might be determined to have another shot at the title. Given his performance in the Champions Trophy final, Ponting asserted that Rohit remains at the top of his game and should not be written off.

New Delhi, March 10 – Congress leader Shama Mohammed, who recently faced controversy over her remarks on Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma’s weight, extended her congratulations to Team India for their Champions Trophy victory. She lauded Sharma’s exceptional leadership in the final match against New Zealand and acknowledged his crucial 76-run innings.

As per agency report, India clinched their third Champions Trophy title on Sunday, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in a thrilling final. Rohit Sharma’s composed innings set the foundation for India's successful chase, with key contributions from Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul ensuring victory.

Taking to social media platform X, Mohammed wrote, “Congratulations to Team India for an outstanding performance in Champions Trophy 2025 and securing the win!” She further praised Sharma, saying, “Salute to captain Rohit Sharma for his brilliant 76-run knock that laid the foundation for victory. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul played crucial innings, sealing this remarkable triumph for India!”

Mohammed’s remarks come days after she stirred controversy by making comments about Rohit Sharma’s weight, which drew strong backlash from cricket fans and political circles. Her remarks faced criticism from Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, members of her own party, and a large section of social media users.