The latest chapter in Indian cricket has been dominated by swirling retirement rumours surrounding Rohit Sharma.
Reports emerged claiming that the 39-year-old skipper's third ODI against England at Lord's on July 19 could mark his final appearance in the 50-over format. According to sources, selectors have reportedly informed Rohit that the team is moving on to build for the 2027 ODI World Cup, favouring younger talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Rohit, who has expressed his desire to continue playing ODIs after improving his fitness, has been struggling with the bat in the ongoing series, scoring just 11 and 26 in the first two matches. However, he continues to train hard alongside teammates like Virat Kohli.In a strong rebuttal, BCCI Secretary Devajit
Saikia dismissed the rumours outright. He clarified that no discussions regarding Rohit's retirement have taken place.
"Rohit will continue to represent India as long as the selectors, captain, and coach see him in the scheme of things," Saikia told PTI.
But what are the coaches who nurtured Rohit Sharma in his budding days are saying about these retirement speculations? MyKhel caught up with two of Rohit's childhood and teenage days' mentors, and they were vocal in support for their ex-student.
Dinesh Lad on Rohit Sharma
And Rohit Sharma's childhood coach Dinesh Lad, who paved the early days of the India player's career, has no doubt his disciple deserves a spot in the World Cup 2027 squad. In an exclusive chat with MyKhel, Dinesh asserted unequivocal support for Rohit Sharma.
"Rohit is eligible to play in the World Cup 2027, there's no doubt in that. Nobody can deny he deserves the spot. People have a lot of expectations, and he may have not scored runs in a couple of matches, but he can't retire before World Cup," Lad said to this website.
Raju Pathak on Rohit Sharma
Another coach of Rohit Sharma in the Mumbai ranks has been Raju Pathak, who mentored the ex-India captain at Rizvi College. And he quashes all the retirement rumours, but also admits Rohit is a person who keeps his promise.
"All of these are rumours. His place in the World Cup team is a deserved one. He is playing after a long time in England and he is someone who can cover (lack of runs) later. I believe he should remain in the Indian team till 2027 (World Cup).
"But make no mistake, if Rohit has already decided to retire, he may do that. Rohit thoda moody banda hain (Rohit is a moody person), and if he feels he will retire, he will do so. Currently, Rohit needs just one match to score and he can find his form with that," Pathak said.
Fans remain emotionally invested, viewing Rohit as a legendary white-ball leader who led India to the 2023 World Cup final and the 2024 T20 World Cup title, as well as the Champions Trophy in 2025.
As the series decider approaches at the iconic Lord's, all eyes are on whether Rohit gets one more shot to silence the doubters or if transition talks are truly underway behind the scenes. For now, the BCCI insists the Hitman's ODI journey is far from over.
