Former Indian cricketer and commentator Mohammad Kaif has thrown his weight behind Rohit Sharma amid growing speculation over his international future, insisting that retirement is a personal decision and should not be dictated by public opinion.Rohit recently silenced the critics by emphatically smashing a historic century at Lord’s during the 3rd ODI against England. His knock of 138 from 110 balls made him the first Indian batsman to score an ODI century at the iconic venue, coming at a time when rumors had intensified that the Lord’s match could be his last international appearance before the 2027 ODI World Cup. Those rumors of retirement were first dismissed by the BCCI, and Rohit himself responded in the best way possible, with the bat.Reacting to the debate surrounding India’s captaincy, Kaif said Rohit has continued to perform despite immense external pressure and deserves the freedom to decide when to call time on his career.“Rohit Sharma’s retirement will be decided by Rohit Sharma himself. He has the right. He has worked so hard for India. He has the right to retire of his own will. 12,000 runs, 34 centuries – until the time he was the captain, he never let India lose. Even today nobody could defeat India in their white captaincy. There is so much pressure on him, with people constantly saying: “Rohit Sharma, it’s time to retire.”“Under all that pressure, I became the highest scorer at Lord’s. No other Indian batsman scored a century in this match, it came from Rohit’s bat,” Kaif said in a video posted on his X account.
Kaif urged BCCI to support him
Kaif also suggested that public support from the Indian team management and the BCCI could also motivate the veteran opener ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.“Imagine if Shubman Gill, as captain, publicly says, ‘Rohit bhai, I need you for the 2027 World Cup’. Or if the BCCI makes it clear that Rohit will play for India for as long as he wants and no one should question him. This kind of support would make a huge difference,” he added. The former India batsman believes that Rohit thrives on the responsibility and trust of those around him.“Now, he is under pressure because everyone expected him to fail. But when he knows that his captain, coach and BCCI are firmly behind him, he will also climb the Himalayas for India. I hope people will stop the unnecessary noise and allow Rohit Sharma to play in peace,” Kaif concluded.
England beat India to clinch the ODI series
India suffered a 27-run defeat to England in the third and final ODI, conceding the three-match series 2-1 despite struggling centuries and half-centuries from their top order. Chasing a miracle of 388 runs, captain Rohit Sharma led from the front with a magnificent century, while Shubman Gill made 77 and Virat Kohli added a fluent 74.However, the massive target proved too steep as India’s middle and lower order failed to sustain the momentum.