Agra: Rohit Sharma not retiring from ODI cricket, says BCCI vice-president

By Ananya Rao — 25 July 2026 — 3 min read

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has dismissed rumours regarding Rohit Sharma’s retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket, stating there is no question of him stepping away. Shukla’s remarks came after Sharma scored a century at Lord’s, amidst ongoing discussions about India’s leadership and player transitions.

Speculation about Sharma’s ODI future had grown during India’s series in England, following a period of less consistent form. Some reports had suggested that the third ODI at Lord’s might be his final match for India. However, Sharma responded to these discussions by scoring 138 runs off 110 balls, becoming the first Indian batter to achieve an ODI hundred at the venue known as the Home of Cricket.

Following his performance, Sharma indicated that external commentary would not influence his decisions. He emphasised his focus on playing for his country and expressed his aim to be part of the 2027 ODI World Cup team. Shukla reiterated this message during an event in Agra, where he was inaugurating the mini-auction for the fourth season of the UP T20 League.

Leadership and Player Transitions

Shukla confirmed that Rohit Sharma remains a part of the Indian team and is actively playing. He stated that the information circulating in the media and on social media about his retirement is unfounded. The BCCI Vice-President also supported the current leadership of the Indian team, rejecting suggestions for changes despite scrutiny surrounding head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill.

According to Shukla, decisions regarding team selection rest with the selectors, and since the Indian team is performing well and winning matches, there is no immediate need for alterations. This stance comes as reports from the Indian team’s tour of England had indicated that Sharma might not be included in plans for the 2027 World Cup, effectively presenting a retirement ultimatum.

The transition period for senior players in Indian cricket has historically been challenging, often involving situations where established players are removed from captaincies, sidelined, or encouraged to retire rather than being dropped. Examples include Virat Kohli, who stepped down as T20I captain and was later removed as ODI captain, and Gautam Gambhir, who experienced a cycle of being dropped and recalled.

The BCCI Vice-President was in Agra for the UP T20 League mini-auction, where he highlighted the league’s role in developing young talent from Uttar Pradesh. He noted that the league provides a significant platform for emerging cricketers, with several players having secured IPL contracts after performing well in the UP T20 League. Currently, 18 players from Uttar Pradesh are participating in the IPL.

Developing Cricket Talent

Shukla also discussed the UPCA’s statewide ‘Speed Hunt’ initiative, which aims to identify fast bowlers capable of speeds of 135 km/h or more. Through this programme, 38 fast bowlers were identified and given an opportunity in the mini-auction. He expressed confidence that this initiative would help produce more quality fast bowlers from the state.

He added that while opportunities in the Ranji Trophy are limited, the UP T20 League offers competitive exposure to more than 120 young cricketers, which he considers the tournament’s greatest strength. UPCA chairman Dr. Sanjay Kapoor mentioned that six franchises bid for 282 players during the mini-auction, with 45 players expected to be selected. He also stated that 10 players were listed at a base price of Rs 5 lakh, 45 players at Rs 3.5 lakh, and the remaining players at Rs 2.5 lakh. Additionally, 12 fast bowlers identified through the ‘Speed Hunt’ programme were part of the auction pool.

The UP T20 League mini-auction saw six franchises bidding for 282 players, with 45 set to be picked.

Source: indiatoday.in