India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill has confirmed that skipper Rohit Sharma has no immediate plans to retire, dismissing speculation ahead of the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. Speaking at the pre-final press conference, Gill stated that Rohit has not discussed retirement with him or the team.
Rumors about Rohit’s future have been swirling, especially after his T20I retirement following India’s World Cup triumph in Barbados last June. With Rohit’s struggles in ODIs and Tests, many believed the Champions Trophy final could be an ideal moment for an announcement. However, Gill returned to the media room after the press conference to clarify that he has no knowledge of any such decision.
Discussing the playing conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Gill mentioned that while weather changes could bring dew into play, the pitch is expected to behave consistently. He emphasized that India has a solid understanding of the conditions, having won all four of their matches at the venue in the tournament.
The young opener also expressed his excitement about playing in his second ICC final after the 2023 World Cup loss to Australia. Acknowledging the pressure of big matches, he highlighted the importance of handling high-stakes situations well, citing Virat Kohli’s experience as a key factor in India’s success. Kohli’s match-winning 84 in the semifinal was a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure.
Gill, who started the tournament with a century against Bangladesh and a 46 against Pakistan, has struggled for runs in the last two matches. On Saturday, he spent an extended session in the nets with Rohit while his teammates focused on light fielding and bowling drills at the stadium.