Rohit Sharma quashes retirement rumors after Champions Trophy victory
What's the story
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has quashed rumors of his retirement from ODIs.
After India's glorious victory over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, he confirmed he would continue playing.
"I am not going anywhere, I am not retiring from this format," Rohit said at a press conference at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
His statement came after speculations rifed that the 38-year-old might retire with the next ICC ODI tournament being two years away, the 2027 World Cup.
Career highlights
Rohit Sharma's performance continues to fuel speculation
Despite having taken India to four ICC trophy finals and winning two titles, retirement rumors have been rife.
The speculation was only intensified in the recent Champions Trophy, where he scored 180 runs and crossed the 11,000-run mark in ODIs.
Over his 273-match ODI career, Rohit has always proved his mettle with an average of 48.76 and 32 centuries, including three double centuries.
Future plans
Rohit Sharma's commitment to ODI cricket remains unwavering
Rohit's latest statement comes after he led India to T20 World Cup victory last year and announced his retirement from T20Is.
However, unlike his T20 career's end, there are no such plans for ODIs.
"Future plan? There is no future plan. What is going on, will continue," Rohit said during the press conference, indicating his unwavering commitment to ODI cricket.
Knock
Fifty in final
Meanwhile, Rohit slammed a brilliant half-century against New Zealand in the final clash.
The Indian skipper led from the front in India's run-chase of 252.
He added a century-plus opening stand with Shubman Gill, having punished the Kiwi seamers.
He eventually departed for an 83-ball 76 (7 fours and 3 sixes). As India won the game, Rohit was named the Player of the Final.
Milestone
Rohit joins Ganguly on this list
Rohit became the second Indian captain to have slammed a half-ton in the Champions Trophy final.
He joined Sourav Ganguly, who slammed a century while leading in the 2000 Champions Trophy final.
Overall, Rohit is the fourth captain with a fifty in the tournament final. He has joined Ganguly, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Hansie Cronje on this elite list.