‘His retirement will be decided’: Mohammad Kaif makes bold statement on Rohit Sharma’s future after Lord’s heroics | Cricket News
Former India cricketer and commentator Mohammad Kaif has thrown his weight behind Rohit Sharma amid growing speculation over his international future, insisting that retirement is a personal decision and should not be dictated by public opinion.Rohit recently silenced the critics by smashing a historic century at Lord’s during the 3rd ODI against England. His knock of 138 from 110 balls made him the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue, which came at a time when rumors were rife that the Lord’s fixture would be his last international appearance before the 2027 ODI World Cup. Those rumors of retirement were earlier dismissed by the BCCI, and Rohit himself responded in the best possible way, with the bat.Reacting to the debate surrounding the Indian captain, Kaif said Rohit has continued to perform despite intense external pressure and deserves the freedom to decide when to call time on his career.“Rohit Sharma’s retirement will be decided by Rohit Sharma himself. He has the right. He has worked hard for India. He has the right to retire of his own volition. him, with people always saying, ‘Rohit Sharma, it’s time to retire.‘ Under all the pressure, he became the highest run-scorer at Lord’s. No other Indian batter has scored a century in this match, it came from Rohit’s bat,” Kaif said in a video posted on his X account.
Kaif urged the BCCI to back him
Kaif further suggested that public support from the Indian team management and the BCCI could further boost the veteran opener ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.“Imagine if Shubman Gill, as captain, said publicly, ‘Rohit bhai, I need you for the 2027 World Cup.’ Or if the BCCI has clearly said that Rohit will play for India as long as he wants and no one should question him. That kind of support makes a big difference,” he added. The former India batsman believes that Rohit thrives on taking responsibility and trusting those around him.“Right now, he is under pressure because everyone is waiting for him to fail. But when he knows that his captain, coach and the BCCI are firmly behind him, he will even climb the Himalayas for India. I hope people will stop making unnecessary noise and let Rohit Sharma play in peace,” concluded Kaif.
England beat India to clinch the ODI series
India suffered a 27-run defeat by England in the third and final ODI, clinching the three-match series 2-1 despite battling centuries and half-centuries from their top order. Chasing a daunting 388-run target, captain Rohit Sharma led from the front with a magnificent century, while Shubman Gill chipped in with 77 and Virat Kohli added a fluent 74.However, the huge target proved too steep as India’s middle and lower order failed to sustain the momentum.
Post Comment