Dilip Vengsarkar criticizes speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma's retirement
What's the story
Former Indian cricket team captain Dilip Vengsarkar has slammed the recent rumors of Rohit Sharma's retirement.
He said such decisions should be left to the players themselves.
This comes after Sharma led India to their second ICC title in nine months, further cementing his importance in the side.
Dismissing retirement speculations from the ODI format, Sharma hasn't confirmed his participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup yet.
Here are further details.
Player's impact
Vengsarkar highlights Rohit's exemplary performance
Vengsarkar lauded Sharma's brilliant show in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
He said Sharma's attacking batting in the final against New Zealand helped his teammates adjust to difficult conditions.
"The way he has been playing all this time is nothing short of exemplary," Vengsarkar told PTI, speaking about Sharma's contribution to the team's success.
"He has been outstanding as both captain and player. I don't know why people speculated (on his retirement); it's unwarranted," he added.
Team management
Vengsarkar acknowledges role of selectors
Vengsarkar also credited the selectors for the team's success.
"Credit needs to go to the selectors as well. They stuck with Rohit after the Australia series. Even the decision to take five spinners in the squad proved to be a master stroke," he stated.
This just goes on to show how important strategic planning and team management is to achieve success at the international level.
Future plans
Sharma addresses retirement rumors, focuses on current commitments
Sharma has quelled retirement rumors by saying he has no plans to retire from ODI cricket anytime soon.
He said nothing concrete has been decided yet about his future in the 50-over format.
"Right now, I am taking things as they come... I don't want to draw any lines and say whether I will or won't play in the 2027 World Cup," Sharma said after leading India to victory with his 76-run innings in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
Team spirit
Sharma emphasizes team's resilience and legacy
Further, Sharma highlighted the team's resilience and their capacity to fight back in tough situations.
"Even if we are five wickets down, we have the ability to fight back and turn the game around," he said.
This just goes on to show how committed he is to keeping the team spirit and legacy alive, no matter what.
Numbers
Rohit averages 48.76 in ODIs
After his brilliant half-century in the 2025 CT final against New Zealand, the skipper has raced to 11,168 runs across 273 ODIs.
Meanwhile, he has managed an average of 48.76 in 265 innings, including a strike rate of 92.90.
Overall, he also owns 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries alongside a career-high score of 264.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Rohit has also amassed 2,506 runs at 52.20 across 55 innings as captain.