Rohit Sharma has silenced all the talks of retirement with his bat. The former India captain scored a brilliant century in the third and final ODI against England at Lord’s, just days after reports claimed that his international career could end with this tour.
After Rohit’s record century at Lord’s, former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif has made fun of the Hitman’s critics. Taking a dig at the rumors of retirement, Kaif said that it is Rohit who should decide when he wants to retire from international cricket. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Next Match: When will India Legends play again after the England series?
Rohit Sharma quiets retirement talk while Mohammad Kaif hits back at critics
Ahead of the Lord’s ODI, several reports had claimed that the Indian team management wanted to move on from Rohit ahead of the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. There was also a lot of talk that the third ODI against England could be the 39-year-old player’s last match for India.
The pressure became even greater as Rohit failed to make a big impact in the first two ODIs against England, with many fans and experts questioning his future. But Rohit answered everyone in a perfect manner.
The experienced opener played a brilliant inning of 138 runs in 110 balls with the help of 17 fours and five sixes. However, his innings could not save India from a 27-run defeat. Meanwhile, Nathan Smith defeated Shubman Gill to win the ICC Player of the Month award for June 2026.
“Retirement has happened”: Mohammad Kaif takes a dig at Rohit Sharma’s critics
After India lost the ODI series 2-1 to England, Mohammad Kaif shared a video on his social media handle and praised Rohit Sharma. He said that Rohit has given so much to Indian cricket over the years that no one else should decide when he will retire.
The cricket pundit also said that Rohit’s century at Lord’s became even more special because it came when he was under immense pressure. Despite all the criticism and retirement rumours, Rohit remained calm and let his bat do the talking.
Mohammad Kaif said in a video on his Instagram, “Retirement done? Cutthroat. Don’t be ridiculous. Rohit Sharma will decide his own retirement; he has earned this right. He has done a lot for India. He will leave on his own terms. Still, there is so much pressure on people that they say, “Bro, your job is done, just retire.” It was under that pressure that he scored a century at Lord’s in this match.”
Kaif sent a strong message to the Indian team management regarding the future of Rohit Sharma.
The former Indian batsman believes that Rohit can still do a lot for Indian cricket and he should get full support from captain Shubman Gill, head coach Gautam Gambhir and the BCCI rather than facing constant questions about his future despite only playing ODIs.
He further added, “Imagine if Shubman Gill as captain openly says in the media that he wants Rohit in the 2027 World Cup; if the BCCI announces that no one should ask questions to Rohit Sharma, reaffirming their full support and saying that he can play as long as he wants, then just imagine what he would achieve.
At this moment, he is under pressure, feeling like no one is standing with him; Everyone is waiting for him to fail so they can remove him. Yet, even under that pressure, he managed to score a century.
After Lord’s heroics, Mohammad Kaif urges Team India to fully support Rohit Sharma
Kaif feels that when a senior player knows that the captain, coach and team management trust him, he plays with more freedom and confidence. He believes that Rohit still has the hunger to perform and if he gets proper support, he can continue winning matches for India.
He signed off by saying, “Once he realizes that his team, captain, coach and the BCCI all stand firmly behind him, he will overcome the Himalayas. He is the kind of player who will give his all for the cause. You have your answer. Hopefully, from this point on, everyone will maintain some peace and allow him to play with mental peace.”
