New Delhi: Amidst speculation about his retirement from ODIs, Rohit Sharma has revealed his plans. The Indian skipper had announced his retirement from T20Is following India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024, and speculation was rife that he might replicate this decision after the Champions Trophy 2025.
However, Rohit has now put those rumours to rest, confirming that he has no plans to retire from ODIs just yet.
“One more thing, I am not going to retire from this format, just so that no more rumours are spread,” said Rohit in the post-match press conference.
Rohit Sharma shuts down rumours he would be retiring from ODIs following the Champions Trophy pic.twitter.com/l7I2AbeyAL
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 9, 2025
India’s revamped ODI strategy paid off as Sharma’s team claimed their first major 50-over title in 12 years. On 9 March, India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai. This victory marked India’s third Champions Trophy win, surpassing Australia’s two titles and making India the most successful team in the history of the tournament.
Rohit also joined M.S. Dhoni as the only Indian captains to win multiple ICC men’s white-ball championships.
The opener etched his name in history books as he became only the second Indian skipper to win two ICC trophies. His maiden triumph came in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in Barbados.
Rohit led by example, scoring a crucial 76 runs off 83 balls, adorned with three sixes and seven fours. He set the tone with a signature pull shot off Kyle Jamieson, dispatching the second delivery for a massive six. His match-winning innings earned him the Man of the Match award.
“I contributed a lot in the 2019 World Cup, but we didn’t win. So, it wasn’t fun. Even if you score 30 or 40 runs and win the match, you get more satisfaction and happiness. So, I think it was very important for me to do something and contribute and bring the team in a position where there is a little comfort for the rest of the batting order,” Rohit said after his match-winning 76 in the Champions Trophy final.
‘Ro-Ko’ moment
At the start of the Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian cricket team was facing a slump, having suffered losses to Sri Lanka in an ODI series, New Zealand in a home Test series, and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. These setbacks had even the most loyal fans questioning the team’s future. However, India staged a remarkable turnaround, winning the Champions Trophy 2025 final Sunday.
The Indian team’s struggles also sparked speculation about the future plans of Rohit and Virat Kohli. However, Rohit put an end to the speculation in his own unique way, as seen in a viral video where he’s seen chatting with Kohli, seemingly dispelling any doubts about their commitment to the team.
🗣️ 𝗥𝗼𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶:
"Bhau, humko retire karne wale the ye log!" 😆😂
The 𝗛𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗻 #RohitSharma and 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 #ViratKohli aren’t going anywhere! 💪#INDvsNZ | #ChampionsTrophy2025https://t.co/uiDlQ95mJM
— Indian Cricket Team (@incricketteam) March 9, 2025
In the heartwarming viral video, Sharma is heard jokingly telling Kohli, “Bhau, humko retire karne wale the ye log!” which translates to “Brother, these people were thinking of retiring us!” Both Indian cricket legends then share a warm hug and burst into laughter, effortlessly dispelling the rumours surrounding their retirement plans.
“It’s been amazing, we wanted to bounce back after a tough Australian tour, and wanted to win a big tournament, so to win the Champions Trophy is amazing. So much talent in the dressing room, they are trying to take their game further and we are just happy to be of help (role of the seniors), sharing our experience and that’s what makes this Indian team so strong,” Kohli said after the triumph.
Kohli didn’t make any explicit statements about his own retirement plans, but he did express his confidence in the team’s future, suggesting that it’s in good hands.
“When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place, I feel we have a squad that’s ready to take on the world for the next eight years. Shubman has been outstanding, Shreyas has played some top knocks, KL has finished games and Hardik has been superb with the bat,” Kohli said.
Virat Kohli believes the future is bright for India 🤩 pic.twitter.com/yOYVjPZ3DN
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 9, 2025
Before this, Rohit became the first international captain to reach the finals of all four major ICC events: Champions Trophy 2025, T20 World Cup 2024, ODI World Cup 2023, and World Test Championship 2023.
India suffered losses to Australia in the WTC and ODI World Cup finals. The team lead by him achieved a historic first, winning consecutive ICC trophies with victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy within a span of nine months.
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)