Just days after Rohit Sharma emphatically batted away retirement speculation with a historic century at Lord’s, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has once again dismissed rumours surrounding the veteran opener’s future, insisting there is “no question” of him stepping away from international cricket.
Speculation over Rohit’s ODI future had intensified during India’s series in England after a prolonged lean patch, with reports suggesting the third ODI at Lord’s could be his final appearance in Indian colours. The 39-year-old responded in trademark fashion, smashing a magnificent 138 off 110 balls to become the first Indian batter to score an ODI hundred at the Home of Cricket.
After the innings, Rohit made it clear that outside chatter would not influence his thinking.
“My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country… Since I made my debut, the noise was there. Till the time I am going to be there, the noise will be there. Doesn’t matter to me. What matters is what I do on the field,” Rohit had said, stressing once again that he is eyeing a spot in the 2027 ODI World Cup team.
Speaking in Agra on Friday, Shukla reinforced that message while inaugurating the mini auction for the fourth season of the UP T20 League.
“Rohit Sharma is a part of our team and is continuing to play. The things being circulated in the media and on social media have no meaning. As of now, there is no question of his retirement,” Shukla told reporters.
GILL-GAMBHIR JODI TO STAY
Shukla also backed India’s current leadership, dismissing suggestions that changes were needed at the top despite scrutiny surrounding head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the decision on who stays in the team and who does not rests with the selectors. The Indian team is performing well and winning matches, so there is no need for any changes at present,” he said.
Rohit Sharma’s magnificent century at Lord’s proved to be a lone bright spot as India lost the ODI series 2-1. It brought a disappointing tour of the UK to an end, with the visitors having earlier been whitewashed 2-0 by Ireland and thrashed 4-0 by England in the T20I series.
The BCCI vice-president was in Agra for the UP T20 League mini-auction, where he highlighted the tournament’s growing role in nurturing young talent from the state.
He said the league had become a significant platform for emerging cricketers, pointing out that 18 players from Uttar Pradesh are currently featuring in the IPL, with several having earned franchise contracts after impressing in the UP T20 League.
Shukla also spoke about the UPCA’s statewide ‘Speed Hunt’ initiative, through which 38 fast bowlers capable of clocking speeds of 135 km/h or more were identified and given an opportunity in the mini auction. He expressed confidence that the programme would help produce more quality fast bowlers from the state.
He added that while only a limited number of players get opportunities in the Ranji Trophy, the UP T20 League provides more than 120 young cricketers with competitive exposure, calling it the tournament’s biggest strength.
UPCA chairman Dr Sanjay Kapoor said six franchises bid for 282 players during the mini auction, with 45 set to be picked. He added that 10 players were listed at a base price of Rs 5 lakh, 45 at Rs 3.5 lakh and the remaining players at Rs 2.5 lakh. Twelve fast bowlers identified through the ‘Speed Hunt’ programme were also included in the auction pool.
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