Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla has dismissed reports that Rohit Sharma is retiring from international cricket. Putting an end to the recent speculations regarding the future of the former Indian captain, Shukla said that there is no question of Rohit walking away from the game.
Rohit silenced his critics by scoring a century against England In the third ODI against England. The right-handed batsman scored 138 runs in 110 balls at a strike rate of 125.45 with the help of 17 fours and five sixes. He became the first Indian cricketer to score an ODI century at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Rajeev Shukla dismisses rumors of Rohit Sharma’s retirement
Speaking at the UP T20 League mini-auction in Agra, Rajeev Shukla dismissed reports that Rohit Sharma is planning to retire from international cricket. He said that the rumors circulating in the media and social media have no basis and urged fans not to believe them.
“Rohit Sharma is a part of our team and continues to play. The talks going on in the media and social media make no sense. There is no question of his retirement at the moment.”
Rohit Sharma remains an important member of India’s ODI team. The former India captain has scored 379 runs at an average of 42.11 and strike rate of 99.21, which includes one century and one half-century. He recorded scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches of the recent series.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion – Rajeev Shukla supports Gautam Gambhir
Rajiv Shukla also expressed his support towards head coach Gautam Gambhir. Despite criticism following India’s recent white-ball defeats to Ireland and England, he said there was no need to change the current leadership.
“Everyone has the right to their opinion, but it depends on the selectors to decide who will be in the team and who will not. The Indian team is performing well and winning matches, so there is no need for any changes at the moment.”
India recently lost the ODI series to England 2-1. Before the England tour, they had to face a 2-0 series defeat against Ireland and a 4-0 defeat in the T20 series against England.
UP T20 League continues to support young talent
Rajiv Shukla attended the event to inaugurate the UP T20 League mini-auction and lauded the role of the tournament in developing young cricketers. He said the league has helped many players earn IPL contracts and added that 18 players from Uttar Pradesh are currently part of IPL teams.
He also highlighted UPCA’s Speed Hunt initiative, which identified 38 fast bowlers capable of bowling at 135 km/h or more. Twelve of those bowlers were included in the mini-auction, giving them a chance to impress the franchise.
According to UPCA President Dr Sanjay Kapoor, 282 players entered the auction pool for the six franchises, out of which 45 players are certain to be selected. Shukla said that Ranji Trophy opportunities are limited, but the UP T20 League provides valuable experience to more than 120 young players every season.
