India skipper Rohit Sharma has ruled out any possibility of retiring from One Day Internationals (ODIs) after guiding his side to a nail-biting four-wicket win over New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final on Sunday.
The veteran opener struck a key 76-run knock, hitting seven boundaries and three sixes, giving India a sound platform to chase in difficult conditions in Dubai.
Speaking to the media in the post-match press conference, Rohit shot down rumors regarding his future in the format. "I am not retiring from this format," he said. "Koi future plan hai nahi, jo chal raha hai chalega (I have no future plans, whatever is happening will continue)," he said.
It was at the age of 37 that Rohit had himself decided to retire from T20 internationals following India's winning campaign for the 2024 T20 World Cup. It being in a region faraway from Asia or Australia for the subsequent big ODI tournament that of the 2027 World Cup, one took it for granted that he will retire from white-ball cricket itself.
Rohit, who debuted in an ODI against Ireland in Belfast on June 23, 2007, has been the backbone of Indian cricket, scoring 11,168 runs in 273 games.
The Mumbai-born cricketer also spoke highly of the experienced players in the team, citing their impact on the young generation.
"There is a lot of hunger even among old players, and that energy filters down to the young players. We have 5-6 genuine stalwarts in the team, which makes it easier for all of us," he said.
Also, Rohit praised other Mumbaikar Shreyas Iyer, who remained the second-highest run-getter in the tournament with 241 runs in five games behind only New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra.
Referring to Iyer as India's 'silent hero', Rohit praised his invaluable contributions during the middle-order of the game.
Shreyas Iyer was the unseen hero. He was a pillar of strength who helped shore up the middle order. Even today, after my dismissal, his stand with Axar was most crucial," he said.
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