India captain Shubman Gill has firmly dismissed speculation surrounding Rohit Sharma’s retirement after India’s 27-run defeat to England in the third and final ODI at Lord’s. Despite the series-ending loss, Gill made it clear that there has been no discussion within the team about Rohit stepping away from international cricket.
Rumours regarding Rohit’s future gained momentum after India’s 2-1 series defeat, with many believing the Lord’s ODI could mark the veteran opener’s final appearance in the format. However, Gill categorically denied those claims during the post-match press conference.
“Rohit bhai hasn’t told us anything about retirement. Whatever is being said is only in the media. There has been no conversation like that within the dressing room,” Gill said after the match.
The Indian skipper’s statement comes after Rohit produced one of the finest innings of his ODI career, smashing a brilliant 138 off 110 deliveries. His innings kept India’s chase of England’s daunting 388 alive before Jacob Bethell dismissed him at a crucial stage. Despite Rohit’s heroics, India eventually finished on 360/7 to lose by 27 runs, handing England the series.
Rohit’s century was historic, making him the first Indian batter to score an ODI hundred at Lord’s. It also ended an 11-match century drought and reminded fans why he continues to be one of India’s most dangerous white-ball batters.
Gill praised Rohit’s knock, calling it a perfectly paced innings that almost turned the game in India’s favour.
“He played brilliantly. Chasing nearly 390 isn’t easy, and the way he built his innings gave us a real chance. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish the chase,” Gill said.
While dismissing retirement rumours, Gill admitted that India’s biggest concern remains player fitness ahead of the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup. The Indian captain pointed out that injuries disrupted the team’s balance throughout the England tour, preventing the management from fielding its strongest playing XI consistently.
India was without several key players at different stages of the tour, forcing frequent changes in both batting and bowling combinations. Gill stressed that maintaining fitness will be crucial if India hopes to challenge for the World Cup title.
“If we want to compete for a World Cup, we need our best players available consistently. Fitness is an area where we must improve because injuries make it difficult to maintain combinations,” he said.
England’s commanding total of 387/3 was built on a superb 192-run opening partnership between Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell. Duckett struck 141 while Bethell added 91, putting India’s inexperienced bowling attack under immense pressure. Although Rohit and Gill responded with aggressive batting, England’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages to seal victory and the series.
Meanwhile, Rohit himself also addressed the retirement speculation after the match, brushing aside reports linking him with an imminent exit from ODI cricket. The veteran opener said outside noise has never influenced his mindset and reiterated that his focus remains on representing India for as long as he can contribute.
“If there is no noise, there is no fun,” Rohit remarked with a smile, indicating that speculation is part of a cricketer’s journey and does not affect his commitment to the national team.
With both Gill and Rohit dismissing retirement rumours, the focus now shifts toward India’s preparations for the upcoming international calendar. Despite the disappointment of losing the ODI series in England, the management will take confidence from Rohit’s return to top form while working on improving squad fitness and consistency ahead of the World Cup.
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