London, 20 July 2026:
India batter Rohit Sharma has dismissed speculation surrounding his international future, saying outside “noise” has never distracted him from his responsibility of performing for the team.
Speaking exclusively to bcci.tv after India’s defeat to England in the third ODI at Lord’s, Rohit said his only priority remains representing the country and contributing on the field.
“My job is with the bat — to come and play, represent my country and represent the team,” Rohit said. “There has always been noise since I made my debut, and it will continue as long as I play. It doesn’t matter too much.”
The 39-year-old said his performances, rather than public discussion, remain his focus.
“What matters is what I do on the field and how I contribute to the team’s success. That’s where my focus is. If there’s noise, that’s part of the game. My job is on the field, and everyone else has their own job.”
Rohit’s comments came after he struck a 110-ball 138 in the third ODI, although India fell short while chasing 388, losing the match and the series.
Retirement speculation intensified during the second ODI in Cardiff following scores of 11 and 26 in the opening two matches. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed reports suggesting Lord’s could be Rohit’s final ODI, while captain Shubman Gill also said there had been no discussion within the team regarding his retirement.
The Lord’s fixture also marked the 400th international appearance alongside Virat Kohli. The experienced pair shared a 113-run partnership for the second wicket, with Rohit scoring 71 off 48 deliveries during the stand.
“We’ve played our entire careers together, so it was nice to be out there with him again,” Rohit said. “We’ve shared so many partnerships over the years. We understand each other well, keep talking in the middle and exchange ideas. It’s always enjoyable batting together.”
Rohit recently became India’s oldest male ODI cricketer and continues to face scrutiny over his place in the side following Shubman Gill’s appointment as India’s ODI captain in 2025.
