Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has criticized the retirement speculation surrounding veteran opener Rohit Sharma during India's recent ODI series against England. Dasgupta said the discussion should never have started while Rohit was still playing for the national team and called it unnecessary.
Rohit was dismissed cheaply in the second ODI at Cardiff. However, the former India captain answered his critics with a brilliant 138 off 110 balls in the final ODI at Lord's. The Indian cricket team was 27 runs short in their chase of 388. India went on to lose the three-match series 2-1 under Shubman Gill.
I Was Really Angry - Deep Dasgupta Questions Retirement Rumours
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Deep Dasgupta said that speculations surrounding Rohit Sharma's retirement were unnecessary and added that a player's place in the team should depend only on performances.
"I want to vent my anger a bit here because I was really angry when I was reading and listening to all of this. It is simple that as long as you keep scoring runs, you will keep playing. The only question comes in when that environment is created," Deep Dasgupta said.
"Honestly, I have not heard it from any selector, captain, or the coach. It is a different matter if it was said off the field, which I am not privy to."
The retirement reports surfaced after Rohit's poor scores in the first two ODIs against England. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia dismissed the speculation, stating that there was no discussion about the former India captain retiring from international cricket.
Leave Them Alone - Deep Dasgupta Backs Senior Players
Deep Dasgupta also urged the selectors and team management to avoid unnecessary debate around experienced players ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. He said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have to be judged on their performances.
"When you know that performances are needed, then these type of talks should not happen at all. Some people might get more chances, like Virat, Rohit, Shubman, they have been doing really well for years."
"It is not a debate about Rohit, it is a debate about everyone. When there are so many matches, it will happen, so just leave them alone. Don't treat them separately. Nothing has to change, just keep it simple," Dasgupta concluded.
Let the Noise Be There - Rohit Sharma Breaks Silence
After the series, Rohit Sharma also spoke about the retirement rumours in a video shared by the BCCI. The opening batter said that he remains focused on helping India win matches and is not distracted by outside speculation.
"What really matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That's where all my focus is," Rohit Sharma had said.
"Let the noise be there, if there is no noise there is no fun. My job is inside, their job is outside, that's how I look at it."
India's next ODI assignment is a home series against the West Indies in September. Rohit is also expected to continue to be part of India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
