Rohit Sharma to retire! While cricket fans in India are waiting to see India win the Champions Trophy final, they also want to know whether their favourite ‘Hitman’ will hang his boots from ODIs after tonight’s epic encounter
GUWAHATI, March 9: Rohit Sharma to retire after the Champions Trophy final at Dubai later tonight irrespective of whatever the outcome of the match is! That’s the speculation and discussion as the Men in Blue take on the Kiwis, looking to avenge the defeat Team India suffered at the hands of the Black Caps in the second edition of the tournament in Kenya 25 years ago.
With skipper Rohit Sharma likely to take a call on his ODI future after the conclusion of Champions Trophy, cricket fans in India have gone on the overdrive, weighing on the options ‘Hitman’ might have at his disposal amid questions on his, and fellow batter and former Team India skipper Virat Kohli’s, possible retirement.
Speculations about Rohit’s possible declaration to retire after tonight’s final were fuelled by his and Virat’s decision to hang their boots from the shortest format of the game (from international matches) after India’s T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados.
Now, as the Men in Blue take on the Kiwis at Dubai with ‘Hitman’ looking to emulate MS Dhoni’s feat of winning two ICC trophies, the buzz is also about the possibility of Rohit announcing his retirement from the shorter format while he would keep on playing red-ball cricket for India for some more time.
Reports quoting BCCI sources have also hinted that the India skipper is likely to discuss his future with chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.
Meanwhile, as discussions centered on Rohit possibly taking a call on his white-ball career, former India captain Saurav Ganguly has dismissed the entire issue and has backed the Indian ODI and Test captain to continue playing for the country in ODIs at least till the next ICC Cricket World Cup due in two years time.
“Why is there talk of Rohit Sharma’s retirement? Why is this even a question? He won the World Cup just a few months ago. I don’t know what the selectors are thinking, but Rohit is playing very well. India is far better than New Zealand. India played in the 2023 World Cup finals, won the 2024 T20 World Cup, and they are still unbeaten in this Champions Trophy. The same team will play,” India Today quoted Ganguly as saying.
He also said that India are the firm favourites to win the Champions Trophy final tonight but it could be anyone’s game.
“India is the favourite. India is in good form. Everyone is in very good form. Virat Kohli is there, Shubman Gill is there, Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul – everyone is in good shape. It will be a good match. India’s bowling lineup is very good. Anyone can win, anyone can lose,” the former India skipper said.
Fans, too, feel Rohit Sharma has a couple of years of ODI cricket left in him and that he should refrain from taking a hasty decision on quitting one-day cricket.
Meanwhile, fans are praying for the victory of the Indian cricket team in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand later tonight as special prayer ceremonies have also been organized for India’s victory.
Fans are also putting up giant screens and monitors to watch the match while also arranging for refreshments as they are in no mood to miss out on enjoying the match to the fullest.
“We will watch the match together in our apartment. We have installed a giant screen and have made arrangements for refreshments and dinner. India will win and we will celebrate,” Shantanu Bora of Guwahati told News Live.
