Former India captain Rohit Sharma has brushed aside speculation surrounding his international future, insisting that his only priority is to continue representing India and helping the team succeed.
The 39-year-old made the statement after scoring a brilliant 138 off 110 balls in India’s unsuccessful chase during the third and final ODI against England at Lord’s. Reports had suggested the match could be Rohit’s final appearance in Indian colours, but the veteran opener made it clear he is not distracted by such talk.
Rohit has repeatedly stated that he aims to play in the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
His century also ended a difficult run in ODI cricket, having gone 11 innings without reaching three figures. The lean patch had raised questions over his place in the squad ahead of next year’s World Cup, although he continued to enjoy the backing of the team management.
“My job is with the bat, come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That’s what I have been told to do since my debut, so that’s what I am going to do,” Rohit said in an interview with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I am going to stay here, it is always going to be there.
“So it doesn’t really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That’s all my focus is right now. And let the noise be there. If there is no noise, there is no fun.”
Despite Rohit’s outstanding knock, India failed to complete the chase and lost the match, conceding the three-match ODI series 2-1 to England.
India will now turn their attention to a three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe before beginning their Test tour of Sri Lanka next month.
