'I have not retired' - Rohit Sharma quashes Test retirement rumours

India captain Rohit Sharma, who missed out on being in the Playing XI for the ongoing fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, opened up on his plans to keep playing the longest format of the game. After being absent from the Playing XI, there were speculations of his possible ouster from the Indian Test team. However, the Nagpur-born confirmed that he is here to stay.

The 37-year-old appeared in a discussion after Lunch on Day 2, as the Indians walked back with four wickets of the Australian batters. In a candid conversation alongside Jatin Sapru and former India cricketer Irfan Pathan, Rohit told that a few people cannot decide his future, and he is sensible enough to decide his own fate in red-ball cricket.

"I have stood down from this Test but I am not going anywhere. This is not a retirement or moving away from the format. A guy with a mic, pen or laptop, what they write or say, it doesn't matter. They cannot decide for us. I took the call to stand down after coming to Sydney. Yes, runs are not coming but there is no guarantee that you won't be able to score two months down the line or six months down the line. I am mature enough to know what I am doing." Rohit said during an interview with Star Sports on Day 2 of the Sydney Test.

Also Check: Watch: Rohit Sharma carries drinks, shares inputs with Bumrah, Pant

I'll work hard: Rohit

The legendary cricketer also opened up on his bad run of form, especially in the red-ball format. He expressed how he has had a bad patch of late, but also backed it up by saying there's no guarantee of scoring runs with the bat. This hinted that Rohit gives more importance on working hard off the field, and wait for the results. He further confirmed that he can't say whether he will score runs in some time down the line, and all he has to do is work hard.

"Runs are not coming now, but not guaranteed it’ll not come 5 months later. I’ll work hard," he added.

At the fag end of the discussion, Sapru further thanked Rohit for his service to the Indian cricket team over the years, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of all the fans. To this, Rohit, being his candid self, told that he is not going anywhere.

"Rohit it's been an absolute honour for everyone. All the fans of Indian cricket team, they've had you as a captain, as a leader. So thank you, for your honesty," Sapru expressed.

"Arre bhai, main kidhar bhi nahi jaa raha hoon (Hey brother, I'm not going anywhere)," Rohit promptly replied.