As speculation grows about whether Rohit Sharma Could play his last international match in Sunday’s third ODI against England at Lord’s, former India captain Kapil Dev urged fans to celebrate the Indian skipper’s career instead of feeling sad.Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of an event, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain dismissed the idea of mourning over the possibility of Rohit’s retirement.“No, we are happy. Why sad? He has given us so much happiness over the years. Everyone has to go. Sunil Gavaskar gone, Rahul gone, Anil Kumble gone, Sachin gone. Everyone has to go,” Kapil said.Kapil believes that every cricketer’s career ends eventually and Rohit’s achievements deserve to be celebrated.“So when he goes, we should celebrate his life. What happiness, how much fun he gave to the country, not only to the country, but also to the whole world. We should be happy, why sad?” I saidThe legendary all-rounder also wished Rohit the perfect farewell if the opener decides to retire.“Yes, he will go one day. I hope if he goes, he should take a hundred and go,” Kapil added.
Talk of retirement grew during the England series
Rohit, who made his ODI debut against Ireland in 2007, has already retired from T20Is and Test cricket. Reports suggesting that the Lord’s ODI could be his last international appearance have gained traction during the ongoing series in England.The 39-year-old batsman struggled with the bat, scoring 11 and 26 in the first two ODIs. Overall, Rohit has managed 241 runs in eight ODI innings this year at an average of 30.12, with a top score of 79.India take on England in the series-deciding third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday, where Rohit will hope to silence the speculation with a match-winning performance.