BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has firmly rejected rumours over Rohit Sharma‘s international future, stating there is “no question” of the India opener retiring at this stage despite growing speculation during the recent England tour.Questions over Rohit’s future gathered pace after a prolonged lean patch with the bat, with reports suggesting the third ODI against England at Lord’s could potentially be his final appearance for India. However, the 39-year-old answered those doubts in emphatic fashion by smashing 138 off 110 balls, becoming the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue.Speaking to reporters, Shukla rubbished the retirement rumours and insisted there was no truth to the speculation.“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 said.Rohit’s century at Lord’s also reinforced his own stance on his future. The India opener has consistently maintained that he wants to continue representing the country and remains determined to secure a place in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.In an interview with BCCI.tv after his match-winning innings, Rohit made it clear that outside speculation would not distract him from his responsibilities.“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.“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.”Shukla also brushed aside calls for changes in India’s leadership group following criticism directed at captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir.“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,” Shukla said.Although Rohit’s century at Lord’s was one of the highlights of the tour, India finished the United Kingdom leg on a disappointing note. The visitors lost the ODI series against England 2-1 after earlier suffering a 2-0 defeat to Ireland and a 4-0 loss in the T20I series against England.
