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Rohit Sharma has been one of the most talked-about cricketers in recent times. There has been speculation about him taking retirement from ODI cricket. However, to end all of it, he will be taking the field against the West Indies on Sunday for the 1st ODI. Ahead of that, former India batter Ajinkya Rahane has made a blunt comment on Rohit Sharma's retirement fiasco.
Rohit Sharma had been in good form in recent times as he scored a hundred in his last innings against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. The former India captain will be looking to score runs in the upcoming series and seal his place for the ODI World Cup squad. He himself also broke his silence on the major tournament participation.
Ajinkya Rahane slams people's speculation about Rohit Sharma's retirement
While speaking on his YouTube Channel, Ajinkya Rahane questioned the people who are talking about the retirement of Rohit Sharma when he has been performing consistently over the years. He feels that the question of retirement should not come into anyone’s mind, no matter how old he is; this can affect the player’s mind, and it is important to respect everyone.
"First of all, why did this topic even come out and why were people even talking about it? A player like him has been performing consistently over the years so this question should not have come up at all. No matter how senior a player you are, these things affect your mind."
"It is important to respect senior players. We know how important his experience will be in the World Cup. It does play on your mind, but knowing Rohit, I know he would have ignored all this," he said in a video on his YouTube channel.
"Rohit being there is important": Ajinkya Rahane on Rohit Sharma's importance
The former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain asks people to stop questioning Rohit’s place in the team as he continues to play, and he also feels that experience is key in big matches; he also highlighted the fact that the mixture of experience and youngsters in the team is also important for a team.
"These questions will not rise again because he is in the team for the West Indies series. This will stop now, which is a very good team. In important games, experience is handy. It is important to have a blend of experience and new comers. With the World Cup in a year, Rohit being there is important."
"He will look to maintain his rhythm and flow. He will play each series with the same hunger and intensity. His experience on the field as a senior player is also important."
"There are no bigger batters than them in ODIs": Ajinkya Rahane on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Ajinkya Rahane further added on the impact of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the 50-over format. He feels that the two stalwarts of Indian cricket remain the biggest names in this format, as nobody can question Kohli and Rohit’s consistency in this format.
"Both Rohit and Virat are experienced. There are no bigger batters than them in ODIs. We all know Virat's record and the consistency with which he scores. Nobody can question that."
"When you have these two, you should look at supporting them, carrying them, and looking at how you can use their experience. It is easy to look at the future, but you need to look at what is in your hands at present. You will not get players like them again and it will take a lot of time," he said.
