Why talk about Rohit Sharma's retirement? He just won a World Cup: Sourav Ganguly

The former India captain Sourav Ganguly has strongly turned down the discussions and talks surrounding Rohit Sharma’s possible retirement from ODIs after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Following India's title-winning 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, Sharma, 37, announced his retirement from the T20Is format. With the next ODI World Cup still two years away, opinions have risen that he might step back to allow the younger generation to take over. 

The reports from PTI suggest that Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, is expected to have a conversation about Rohit’s ODI future with him once the tournament ends. Adding onto it, ahead of the Champions Trophy final, vice-captain Shubman Gill dropped a hint that Rohit would make a call regarding his future in the format post-tournament. 

Nevertheless, Ganguly strongly opposed the idea of Rohit stepping away from ODIs. On Saturday, speaking to the media, the former BCCI president questioned why retirement discussions were even taking place when Rohit was still performing at the highest level. 

"Why is there talk of Rohit Sharma's retirement? Why is this even a question? He won the World Cup just a few months ago. I don't know what the selectors are thinking, but Rohit is playing very well," Ganguly stated. 

Shedding some light on India's dominance in international cricket currently, Ganguly pointed out their impeccable recent record. "India is far better than New Zealand. They played in the 2023 World Cup final, won the 2024 T20 World Cup, and remained unbeaten in this Champions Trophy. The same team will play," he added. 

Speaking about India’s possibilities in the final, Ganguly backed them as clear favorites. "India is the favorite. The team is in good form. Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul – everyone is performing well. India's bowling lineup is strong. It will be a good match. Anyone can win; anyone can lose," he said. 

If Rohit leads India to victory on Sunday, he will become only the third captain in Indian history to lift the Champions Trophy, joining Ganguly (2002) and MS Dhoni (2013).