Rohit Sharma: His retirement will be decided by him alone, according to former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif. Speaking amid growing speculation about the opener’s international future, Kaif firmly backed Rohit, stating that no one else should dictate when he steps away from the game. Rohit Sharma recently silenced critics with a historic century at Lord’s during the third ODI against England, scoring 138 off 110 balls to become the first Indian to hit an ODI ton at the iconic venue.
The innings came as rumors swirled that the Lord’s match could be his last before the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kaif emphasized that Rohit Sharma has earned the right to choose his own retirement. “He has worked so hard for India. He has the right to retire of his own will,” Kaif said, noting the captain’s record of 12,000 runs and 34 centuries. He added that despite immense pressure, Rohit remains a match-winner.
Kaif urged the BCCI and team management to publicly back Rohit Sharma, saying such support could motivate him further. He suggested that captain Shubman Gill or the board should clearly state that Rohit is needed for the 2027 World Cup. “When he knows his captain, coach, and the BCCI are standing firmly behind him, he will even scale the Himalayas for India,” Kaif remarked.
India lost the third ODI by 27 runs, conceding the series 2-1, despite Rohit’s century and knocks from Gill and Kohli. The target of 388 proved too steep for the middle order. In the end, Kaif’s message was clear: leave Rohit Sharma to play in peace, and his performances will speak for themselves.
