Top News

BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla has dismissed reports suggesting the captaincy was the reason behind Rohit Sharma hanging up his gloves from international cricket. Speaking at the UP T20 League mini auction in Agra, 'Rohit is still going to be an integral part of the Indian set-up.

Speculation regarding Rohit Sharma's future had been doing the rounds for a few weeks, but the senior opener showed all of his critics the middle of his bat with an elegant century in the third ODI against England. Rohit accumulated 138 off 110 balls, which included 17 fours and 5 sixes to lead India. This also saw him become the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at Lord's.

While talking to reporters, Shukla asked the fans not to believe whatever is being shown on television and on social media in the context of Rohit's retirement.

Rajeev said :

"Rohit Sharma is a member of our team and is playing. Whatever is going round in the media and social media has no meaning. There is totally no question of his retirement till now."

Rohit hasn't stopped being a consistent part of the Indian ODI line-up. This season he has scored 379 runs at an average of 42.11 with a strike rate of 99.21, with a century and a fifty to his name. He failed in the first two ODIs against England, scoring only 11 and 26, but made amends by scoring a match-winning hundred.

Also Read | India-Afghanistan T20I Series Set for Major Schedule Change Due to Bangladesh Tour

However, Shukla also backed India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been under fire for India's white-ball results.

India, however, lost the ODI series 21 to England after having gone down 20 in the series in Ireland and 40 in the T20I series against England. However, Shukla said there was no occasion to tweak the coaching structure.

Shukla Concluded :

"Everyone has their opinion, but the selectors will decide who stays in the team and who doesn't. India team has been playing well and winning matches; there is no need for any changes now."

Referring to the current scenario in the national side, Shukla also complimented the UP T20 League for providing the opportunity to the young cricketers to make it big at the top level. He pointed out that a few of the Uttar Pradesh players who participated in the league got IPL contracts and something like UPCASpeed Hunt is helping spot talented fast bowlers.

Shukla's declaration closes the lid on all retirement speculation for Rohit, confirming the veteran opener's inclusion in plans.