India captain Rohit Sharma dismissed speculations about his international cricket future, emphasizing his focus on upcoming matches. Speaking before the England ODI series, he reaffirmed his commitment to the Champions Trophy scheduled later this month.
India recently faced consecutive defeats, losing 3-0 to New Zealand and 3-1 to Australia. Despite this rough phase, the 37-year-old ruled out Test retirement, stating he remains determined to contribute to the team.
Addressing media reports about his potential ODI retirement, Sharma appeared calm yet firm. “These reports have existed for years,” he said. “Right now, my focus is these three games and the Champions Trophy.”
A Confident Return to Captaincy
Rohit Sharma returns to lead the team after T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav guided India to a 4-1 win over England. Brushing off questions about his form, Sharma stressed the importance of staying present. “This is a fresh series and a different format,” he said. “Ups and downs are part of a cricketer’s life.”
He also highlighted his focus on a strong series performance. “Every day and series is a new challenge. I’m looking forward to this one,” he added.
Both Sharma and Virat Kohli, 36, have faced criticism for their inconsistent performances. However, young players like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube have recently shined in the T20 series. Kohli, determined to regain form, recently played in domestic cricket but managed only six runs.
Bumrah’s Fitness Update and Shami’s Comeback
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is racing to recover before the Champions Trophy begins on February 19. Sharma assured updates will follow once medical reports are available.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami will lead the pace attack after recovering from a heel injury. Sharma defended Shami’s recent mixed performances, stating, “He has performed for over a decade. One or two games don’t define his abilities.”
Looking ahead, Sharma remains confident about leading India in the England ODIs. He expressed optimism about delivering a strong series and contributing to the team’s success.
