"No Talks in the Dressing Room" – Shubman Gill on Rohit Sharma’s Retirement Speculations
India vice-captain Shubman Gill commented on Rohit Sharma's retirement rumor ahead of the prestigious 2025 Champions Trophy final. In a report published by Dainik Jagran, it has been stated that Rohit will consider retiring in case India loses against New Zealand at the final match of the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9. Rumors of Rohit retiring have circulated since the difficult 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series. Though he has come under pressure in Test cricket, he has been in good touch in ODIs, both as a batsman and captain.
Rohit Sharma has come out with the usual approach that sees him open for India and guarantee a good beginning. The next big challenge for Team India after the Champions Trophy is a five-match Test series in England starting from June. They will face Bangladesh in a white ball series in August. However, one thing is for sure, Rohit will be seen in the 2025 IPL season for Mumbai Indians (MI).
"No discussion in the dressing room or with me. Even Rohit bhai would be thinking about the Champions Trophy final, like all of us. So nothing like that now. After the match, he will think if there is anything," Gill said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions Trophy final.
Rohit Sharma Responds to Favoritism Allegations
Rohit Sharma retired from T20Is right after India's 2024 T20 World Cup win in Barbados. However, he has hinted at aiming for the 2027 ODI World Cup if possible, especially after India missed out on the title in 2023 at home.
Many have pointed out that Team India played all their 2025 Champions Trophy matches at the Dubai International Stadium. Fans and experts have debated whether this gave them an "unfair advantage," but India has dismissed such claims. Rohit Sharma earlier said that even though they played at the same venue, the pitch conditions varied, forcing the team to adapt each time. Reports suggest that the pitch used for the big India vs. Pakistan match on February 23 will also be used for the final.
"The pitch is not going to behave differently. Irrespective of hot weather, it will play like as it has in the tournament so far. We haven't seen a score of 300 here. I don't think the weather will play a part," Gill added.