‘I have not retired’- Rohit Sharma quashes Test retirement rumours

The captain of India, Rohit Sharma, revealed his intentions to continue playing the game’s longest format after missing out on the playing XI for the current fifth and final Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25. There were rumours that he will be dropped from the Indian Test team after he failed to make the playing XI. The Nagpur native did, however, affirm that he intends to stay.

After lunch on Day 2, when the Indians triumphed with four wickets of the Australian batsmen, the 37-year-old participated in a discussion. In an open discussion with Jatin Sapru and former Indian cricket player Irfan Pathan, Rohit stated that he is smart enough to make his own decisions in red-ball cricket and that a select few people cannot determine his future.

“I’ve resigned from this test, but I’m not leaving. It’s not a retirement or a departure from the format. It doesn’t matter what a guy with a laptop, pen, or microphone writes or says. They are unable to make that decision for us. After arriving in Sydney, I accepted the invitation to step aside. Yes, there won’t be any runs, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to score in two or six months. I’m old enough to understand what I’m doing.” On Day 2 of the Sydney Test, Rohit stated this in an interview with Star Sports.

I’ll put in a lot of effort: Rohit Sharma

The renowned cricketer also talked candidly about his recent poor play, particularly in the red-ball type. He acknowledged that he has been having a rough time lately, but he supported his statement by stating that there is no assurance that he will score runs with the bat. This suggested that Rohit places greater value on putting in a lot of effort off the pitch and watching for the outcomes. He added that he simply needs to put in a lot of effort and that he cannot predict if he would score runs in the future.

“Runs are not coming right now, but that doesn’t mean they won’t in five months. I’ll put in a lot of effort,” he continued.

Sapru concluded the conversation by expressing his sincere gratitude on behalf of all the supporters and thanking Rohit for his years of contribution to the Indian cricket team. Being open and honest, Rohit responded by saying he was not leaving.

“Everyone has found it to be a great honour, Rohit. You have been a leader and captain to all of the Indian cricket team’s supporters. “I appreciate your honesty,” Sapru said.

The first thing Rohit said was, “Arre bhai, main kidhar bhi nahi jaa raha hoon (Hey brother, I’m not going anywhere).”