Former India coach and commentator Ravi Shastri you have supported Rohit Sharma amid speculation of retirement, he urged the team management to allow the veteran opener to continue playing for as long as he wants to follow up his historic century at Lord’s.Rohit silenced his critics emphatically by smashing a magnificent 138 off 110 balls in the third ODI against England at the House of Cricket. The innings saw him become the first Indian batsman to score an ODI century at Lord’s, coming at a time when speculation was rife that the match could be his last international appearance before the 2027 ODI World Cup.Rumors of retirement had previously been dismissed by the BCCIand Rohit responded in the best way possible, with a record knock.
“Rohit didn’t need to try” – Ravi Shastri
Reacting to the veteran batsman’s performance, Shastri said Rohit has nothing more to prove and should be allowed to decide the timing of his own retirement.“He (Rohit Sharma) didn’t need to prove it, but he shut everyone down. When you have these kinds of rumors floating around, sometimes it’s irritating. When a player has done that, he doesn’t need to prove it to anyone. But if he has the desire to play, he works hard at his game, and he’s always happy, I think he should be given the opportunity for when he wants. He doesn’t have it in him anymore, and he will go,” Shastri told Sky Cricket.
“My job is to bat” – Rohit Sharma
Rohit’s innings was his 34th ODI century and his maiden hundred at Lord’s. Despite their heroics, India fell 27 runs short in their chase of 388, giving England a 2-1 ODI series win.Speaking to bcci.tv after the match, Rohit made it clear that outside criticism has never affected his mind, insisting that his only focus is to help India succeed.“Look, my job is with the bat, to go out, play, represent my country and represent the team. That’s what I’ve been told to do since I made my debut, and this is what I’m going to continue to do. The rumor has been there since I made my debut, and it remains for when I play. It doesn’t matter too much. What matters is what I said the success of the team, and how I contribute to the team field.”