In an interview given to BCCI after India’s ODI series loss to England, Rohit Sharma dismissed speculations of retirement from international cricket. The right-handed batsman returned to form with a brilliant century but in the end Team India could not win. The ‘Three Lions’ defeated India by 27 runs to win the three-match series 2-1. In the previous two matches against England, Rohit scored only 11 and 26 respectively. Various media reports claimed that he might be dropped from the team after the third ODI. It was even said that he might decide to retire after the match.

First, BCCI secretary Debjit Saikia cleared all doubts on the issue. He said that Rohit will continue to play for India even after the England series. If there was any doubt in anyone’s mind about this, the player himself has dismissed speculations of his retirement from international cricket. It may be noted that Rohit has already retired from T20 International and Test cricket and is playing only one-dayers at the highest level. Rohit has said that he is not bothered by outside talk or criticism. Because he is used to them from the beginning of his career.

Rohit said, “My job is to play with the bat. To come out on the field and represent the country—that’s what I’ve been asked to do since my debut and that’s what I’ve been doing. There’s been talk or buzz since debut. As long as I play, that’s all there is. It doesn’t matter to me. The fact is, how I perform on the field. My only aim is to try to contribute to the team’s success. If there’s no noise, there’s no fun. My work is inside, and theirs is. Outside—that’s how I see it.” Rohit scored 138 off 110 balls in the third ODI against England at Lord’s in London. He had 17 fours and five sixes in this innings.

Earlier, India captain Shubman Gill also rubbished speculation that Rohit was planning to retire from international cricket after the third ODI against England at Lord’s.