Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI Future
Rohit Sharma has officially put an end to speculation about his ODI retirement following India’s Champions Trophy win. After leading the team to their third Champions Trophy title, he clarified that he has no plans to step away from the 50-over format.
“I’m not going to retire from this format, just to make sure that no rumors are spread going forward,” Rohit said at the post-match press conference after India’s four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final.
Rohit, who previously led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and retired from T20Is after that win, confirmed that he has no immediate plans for the future and will continue playing ODIs. “There’s no future plan. Whatever is happening will keep happening,” he added when asked about his career outlook.
India’s Historic ICC Success and Rohit’s Leadership
Rohit highlighted the significance of India’s recent achievements, particularly their ability to win two consecutive ICC trophies without losing a single match. “Winning two ICC tournaments back-to-back and going undefeated is something special. I have seen very few teams achieve this,” he said.
According to Rohit, the key to India’s success was preparation and adaptability. “For us, the most important thing was to come here well-prepared and play according to the conditions. We used them well, played smart cricket, and won,” he explained.
While Rohit is not thinking too far ahead, his leadership has undoubtedly played a crucial role in India’s recent triumphs. His ability to manage a strong squad, balance experience with youth, and back key players has been instrumental in India’s dominance in white-ball cricket.
Team Effort and Praise for KL Rahul
Rohit called the Champions Trophy win a “great team achievement” and was especially happy that India won two ICC tournaments without losing a match.
At the post-match presentation, he praised KL Rahul for staying calm under pressure. Rahul remained unbeaten on 34 off 33 balls in tough batting conditions.
“He never gets overwhelmed by pressure,” Rohit said. “That’s why we wanted him in the middle to finish games. His experience and calmness help others play freely. Hardik Pandya, for example, played important shots because of that stability.”
Rohit's Impact and India's Batting Strategy
Rohit played a key role in India’s chase, scoring 76 off 83 balls. He put on a 105-run opening stand with Shubman Gill and gave India a strong start with 49 runs in the powerplay.
He said India’s batting depth allowed him to play aggressively. “With players like [Ravindra] Jadeja batting at No. 8, I have the confidence to go hard at the start. If it works, great. If not, that’s okay. Being clear in my mind is the most important thing,” he explained.
Spinners Shine for India
India relied heavily on spin in the last three games, and Rohit was pleased with how they performed. He praised Varun Chakravarthy, who wasn’t in the original squad but ended up taking nine wickets in three matches.
“Varun has something different about him. He didn’t start the tournament for us, but when he got a chance, he showed his skills. We wanted to make the most of that, and he didn’t disappoint,” Rohit said.
Varun’s standout performance was against New Zealand in the group stage, where he took 5 for 42. He finished as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker with an economy rate of just 4.53.
India's Consistent Bowling Effort
Apart from spin, India’s overall bowling unit remained consistent throughout the tournament. The pacers provided crucial breakthroughs, while the spinners controlled the middle overs. Rohit credited the bowlers for sticking to their strengths and executing their plans effectively.
“Our bowling unit was outstanding. We knew our strengths, and playing on pitches like these helped us use them to our advantage. The consistency shown by the bowlers throughout the tournament was incredible,” Rohit said.
With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, India’s bowling attack showcased its versatility, making them a well-rounded side capable of adapting to different conditions.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma remains focused on ODIs, enjoying India’s success and emphasizing team effort. With back-to-back ICC titles and a well-balanced squad, India’s future in white-ball cricket looks strong.