Rohit Sharma dashes retirement speculations following Champions Trophy victory

Indian cricket fans breathed a sigh of relief as there arrived no bittersweet hindrance to the celebrations of the ICC Champions Trophy victory. Ahead of the India vs New Zealand match, rumors swirled heavily in the air about impending retirements in the ICT. After the 2024 T20 World Cup victory, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja announced their respective retirements from the format. The same was anticipated as India closed in on another ICC championship, their second in a span of just nine months. The reports preceding the Champions Trophy final heavily discussed the end of time for skipper Rohit Sharma. However, as India beat New Zealand by four wickets to claim the title, the captain dashed the speculations.

"I'm not going to retire" - Rohit Sharma refutes retirement rumors following ICC Champions Trophy win

India went into jubilation mode as the Men in Blue claimed their second ICC title within a year. However, there remained apprehension for what was anticipated to come after the emphatic victory. Days before the India vs New Zealand final was scheduled in Dubai, several reports emerged, predicting Rohit's retirement. The chatter started by spilling on BCCI's plan to move on from the 37-year-old as the team's captain, kicking off the preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The information then further evolved to update that the captain was set to discuss his future in the ODI setup with Ajit Agarkar, the chief of BCCI's selection panel.

The update was enough for the fans to gauge that Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, like the 2024 T20 World Cup, would follow suit and bid goodbye. Practically, there was no reason in sight for the speculations to turn true, given Jadeja and Kohli, at 36, showcased unmatched fitness and agility on the field. The rumors picked up pace during the India vs New Zealand final. As Ravindra Jadeja completed his 10-over spell in the opening innings, Kohli went in for a hug with the all-rounder. The scene looped in with previous instances of Kohli hugging Ashwin in BGT and Steve Smith in the Champions Trophy semi-final before both of them announced their retirements.

Thus, India's Champions Trophy win was celebrated under the shadows of the speculations until Rohit Sharma clarified. Moments before Rohit Sharma officially confirmed in the post-match presentation, a video on the internet went viral. In the viral video, Rohit Sharma, celebrating with Virat Kohli on the field, was reportedly heard saying, "they think we are retiring," in a mocking way. The confirmation was enough for the fans to shed the weight of the retirements. Neither Rohit nor Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja showed any intent to mark the ICC Champions Trophy win as their last in the ODI format.

After India won the ICC Champions Trophy and celebrated with their iconic white blazers on the field, Rohit Sharma addressed the press. After reflecting on the massive victories over the Kiwis, Rohit closed the press meet with the announcement. In an attempt to refute the speculation for now and for the foreseeable future, Rohit explained that "retirement" will not be a part of plans anytime soon.

"I'm not going to retire from this format, just to make sure that no rumours are spread going forward," he said.

CAPTAIN ROHIT SHARMA IS NOT RETIRING FROM ODIs. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/8evLYT2wrs

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 9, 2025

Earlier, Simon Doull got a hold of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill for a bite as the players celebrated the win. In his queries, Doull hinted at the possibility, asking if the team looks good to Virat from the perspective of when he decides on leaving. Not addressing the insinuation, Kohli showered praises on the young lot with Gill standing beside him. The legendary batter concluded that the Indian team is bound for greatness for the next decade or so, with the youngsters owning the responsibility and performing seamlessly. However, there came no indication of an impending retirement, much to the ecstasy of Indian fans.