BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla strongly rejected the rumours Rohit SharmaIndia’s future international, saying there is “no doubt” that the India opener will retire at this stage despite growing speculation during the recent England tour.Questions over Rohit’s future have gathered pace after a prolonged lean patch with the bat, with reports suggesting that the third ODI against England at Lord’s could be his last appearance for India. However, the 39-year-old answered those doubts in emphatic fashion by smashing 138 off 110 balls, becoming the first Indian batsman to score an ODI century at the iconic venue.Speaking to reporters, Shukla rubbished the retirement rumors and insisted that there was no truth to the speculation.“Rohit Sharma is a part of our team and will continue to play. The things that are being circulated in the media and social media have no meaning. As of now, there is no question of his retirement,” Shukla said.Rohit’s century at Lord’s also strengthened his own stance on his future. The India opener has always maintained that he wants to continue representing the country and remains determined to secure a place in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.In an interview with BCCI.tv after his match-winning innings, Rohit made it clear that outside speculation does not distract him from his responsibilities.“My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That’s what I’ve been told to do since my debut, so that’s what I’m going to do,” Rohit said.“The buzz since I made my debut was there. And until the moment I stay here, it will always be there. So it doesn’t matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field, I try and contribute to the success of the team. That’s all my focus now. And let the noise be there. If there is no noise, there is no pleasure.Shukla also played down calls for changes in India’s leadership group after criticism directed at the captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir.“Everyone has the right to their opinion, but the decision of who stays in the team and who doesn’t is up to the selectors. The Indian team is doing well and winning matches, so there is no need for any changes as of now,” said Shukla.Although Rohit’s century at Lord’s was one of the highlights of the tour, India ended the UK leg on a disappointing note. The visitors lost the ODI series against England 2-1 after earlier suffering a 2-0 defeat to Ireland and a 4-0 loss in the T20I series against England.
