“I Am Not Going Anywhere”: Rohit Sharma Dismisses Retirement Rumours

New Delhi :  Rohit Sharma, India’s senior batter and captain, has emphatically dismissed rumours surrounding his retirement, putting to rest all speculation during a candid interview on Day 2 of the ongoing India vs Australia Test series. Addressing the media frenzy, Rohit clarified that his decision to step aside from the playing XI for the Sydney Test was based on his lack of form, not a prelude to retirement.

Speaking to broadcasters Jatin Sapru and Irfan Pathan during the lunch break, Rohit said, “I have not retired. I stood down, that is what I would say.” He elaborated that his conversation with the team’s coach and selectors was straightforward: “I am not able to score runs. There is no form. This is an important match, and we need a player who is in form.”

Rohit, 37, insisted that the decision was made with the team’s best interests in mind. “In our batting line-up, form is crucial. You cannot carry too many out-of-form players,” he said, adding, “I am not going anywhere.”

The 37-year-old’s absence from the playing XI for the fifth Test comes amidst concerns about his recent form. Rohit had struggled throughout 2024, managing only 619 runs in 26 innings across 14 matches, with an average of just 24.76. His performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has also been subpar, with only 31 runs in five innings since his return after the Perth Test.

However, Rohit made it clear that this is not the end of his Test career. “This is not a retirement decision. I’m out because the bat isn’t working. But who’s to say it won’t work after two months or six months? Life changes every second, and I believe things will change,” he added optimistically.

When asked about the timing of his decision, Rohit shared that it was made after arriving in Sydney. “After the Melbourne Test, there were just two days before the next game, and one was New Year’s Eve. I didn’t want to bring this up then. But it was on my mind—I was trying and trying, but it wasn’t happening. I had to accept that and step aside,” he explained.

Despite the setback, Rohit maintained that the focus should remain on the present and the team’s immediate goals. “Our focus was on these five matches—we had to retain the trophy and win. When decisions are made, they are made for the team.”

Rohit also praised the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah, who has stepped up as captain in his absence. “The way Bumrah sets standards with the ball is absolute class. I saw him in 2013, and his growth has been phenomenal—he has only gone from strength to strength,” said Rohit, acknowledging Bumrah’s role in leading the team during a challenging phase.

Rohit concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the team and his belief in the collective spirit of Indian cricket. “I am sensible, matured, and a father of two kids, so I know what to do when. You need to understand what the team needs, and if you don’t think about the team, you don’t want those kinds of players. This is my personal thinking, and it’s how I play my cricket and live my life.”

The interview helped silence rumours about his retirement, reinforcing that Rohit Sharma remains focused on the immediate challenges ahead, with a clear intent to return to form and continue contributing to India’s success on the cricket field.