New Delhi: India skipper Rohit Sharma insists his focus is on performing in the ODI series against England and Champions Trophy rather than speaking about his future in international cricket.
A prolonged form slump leading to a disastrous Border-Gavaskar series in Australia has increased the pressure on Rohit, with calls of his retirement increasing with each passing day.
But he wasn’t willing to speak much on the matter, as he addressed the media on the eve of the opening game of a three-match series against England in Nagpur.
“How it is relevant that I talk about my future plans when there are three ODIs and a Champions Trophy. The reports (on my future) are going on for a number of years and I am not here to clarify those reports,” the 37-year-old said.
“For me, the three games (against England) and the Champions Trophy is very important. My focus is on these games and I will see what happens thereafter.”
The top-order batter managed only 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20 in the BGTrophy in Australia, leading to reports suggesting that the BCCI has told him to decide his future after the 50-over Champions Trophy, a format that he has enjoyed considerable joy over the years.
“This is a different format, different time. As cricketers, there will be ups and downs and I have faced those a lot in my career. This is nothing new to me. We know everyday is a fresh day, every series is a fresh series,” Rohit said.
“I am looking forward to the challenge, not looking at what has happened in the past. There is no reason for me to look behind too much.
“It’s important that I focus on what is coming up and what lies ahead for me. Look to try and start this series on a high,” he added.
‘Brand of cricket important’
India were beaten in the final of the ODI World Cup at home in 2023, after a run of 10 straight victories in the tournament, playing an exciting, aggressive brand of cricket.
Rohit said it’s important to keep up with that style, which begins with him wielding the willow at the top of the order.
“There is a certain style and brand of cricket we want to play. Whether that means replicating what we did in the World Cup, we will try to do that.
“But the World Cup was one and a half years ago, so we need to regroup and assess what is required for this series,” he said.
“We don’t need to keep instructing players on how to prepare for every series. They know what is expected of them. It’s about coming together and picking up from where we left off during the World Cup.
“If it takes some time, so be it. It’s not easy to immediately replicate what we did back then. We need to start fresh and build momentum.”
For me, the three games against England and the Champions Trophy is very important. My focus is on these games and I will see what happens thereafter, Rohit Sharma said. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
