India won the Champions Trophy beating New Zealand in the final in Dubai under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. But soon after the match, there were rumors about captain Rohit Sharma’s retirement even after Rohit’s open announcement that he was not retiring from ODIs. The skipper had even requested everyone to stop spreading rumors.
Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the men in blue lifted their second ICC title, having previously won the 2024 T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa in Bridgetown. Legendary South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers backed Rohit’s decision to continue playing ODIs. After the Champions Trophy victory, Rohit became the second most successful Indian captain in terms of ICC titles.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rohit Sharma’s retirement rumors
Similar to his exit from T20Is after the World Cup win in Barbados, the growing assumption about his retirement from the ODI format led to the rumors. Rohit put the rumors to rest after the skipper top-scored with a match-winning 76 in the final. He was titled Player of the Final.
Advertisment
South African cricketer AB de Villiers backed Rohit’s decision of not exiting from the 50-overs format
The legendary cricketer said that Rohit has no reason to retire and his powerful record as captain speaks for himself. Did you know that Rohit has the best win percentage among all captains in ODI cricket? On his YouTube channel AB de Villiers said that Rohit might be one of the best ODI captains of all time if he keeps playing. He also requested everyone to stop spreading rumors as Rohit had mentioned himself that he is not retiring. AB de Villiers said,
“Why would he retire? With that kind of record not only captain but also as a batter. That 76 in the final off 83 balls, giving India a fantastic start, laying the foundation for success and leading from the front when the pressure was at its peak”
De Villiers also said that there is no reason for Rohit to retire from ODIs, his attacking batting in the first 10 overs gives the Indian innings a much-needed impetus. He also shared that Rohit has transformed his game in the last couple of years. He said,
ADVERTISEMENT
“Rohit Sharma has got no reason to retire. No reason to take any criticism whatsoever. His record speaks for himself. Not only that, but he has also sort of transformed his game”
AB de Villiers feels Rohit Sharma has transformed his batting
De Villiers highlighted Rohit’s growth as a player over the years by saying,
“If we have a look at his strike rate in the powerplay, it was quite low for an opening batter, but since 2022, his strike rate has risen to 115 in the first powerplay. That’s the difference between good and great. It’s transforming your own game—it never stops. You always have something to learn and something to do better”
He added,
ADVERTISEMENT
“Compared to other captains, look at Rohit’s win percentage, it’s almost 74%, which is substantially more than any other captain of the past. If he keeps going, he will go down as one of the best ODI captains of all time. Rohit has also said he is not retiring and has requested that rumours be stopped spreading.”
The former South Africa captain also said that more credit must be given to Rohit for his match-winning performances in the ODIs. Rohit rose to the third spot in the ICC ODI rankings on the back of his Player of the Match show in the Champions Trophy final. de Villiers said,
“As an Indian fan, you’ve got to be proud of him. It has not always been plain sailing for him. His form in different formats has been up and down but when it comes to the big moments, the big matches, he leads from the front”
Though Rohit’s Test future is not full-proof, it is more or less clear that Rohit will continue in ODIs. India are set to tour England for a five-Test series in June this year.
ADVERTISEMENT