Rohit Sharma’s response to retirement rumors after India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory was as direct as it gets—"Koi future plan ni hai. Jo chal ra hai wo chalega." It was a moment of calm defiance from the Indian captain, who, despite media speculation, made it abundantly clear that he has no plans of stepping away from ODIs. The formal nature of his statement at the post-match press conference may have seemed unusual for someone known for his casual, witty responses. But moments later, Rohit took a different route, delivering the same message in a much more relaxed, unfiltered way alongside Virat Kohli, resembling two college friends joking around away from their professor's earshot.
This dual approach encapsulates how Rohit Sharma has tackled criticism—both serious and lighthearted. He and Kohli have faced intense scrutiny since India’s disastrous Australia tour, with their places in the squad questioned and Rohit's captaincy under fire. The noise grew even louder as the Champions Trophy progressed, with many wondering if the tournament would be their final hurrah in ODIs. But instead of engaging in debates, the duo responded where it mattered most—on the field.
Rohit and Kohli have long been considered polar opposites. Rohit’s effortless, almost lazy elegance contrasts sharply with Kohli’s high-energy, intense approach. Yet, their methods complement each other perfectly, and over time, they’ve adapted their styles for the team’s benefit. In 2023, Rohit shifted from his signature method of building long innings to an aggressive, power-hitting approach at the top. Kohli, on the other hand, focused on calculated aggression and calmness. Their contrasting approaches were questioned during the Champions Trophy, with critics suggesting that Rohit should tone down his attacking instinct, especially in the final, and that Kohli should ease off on his relentless work rate. Their response? Rohit smashed the second ball of the final for a six, while Kohli continued to outlast opponents with sheer determination and work ethic.
Beyond their personal performances, the duo has played a crucial role in mentoring the younger players. Varun Chakravarthy, playing his first Champions Trophy match, admitted feeling nervous, but Rohit and Kohli were quick to reassure him, ensuring he remained composed while bowling. Kohli’s words after the final reflected their commitment to leaving the Indian team in the best possible shape before they eventually walked away from international cricket.
"I try to speak to these guys as much as possible, share my experience about longevity. I try to step in wherever I can to help improve their games. When you want to leave, you want to leave the game in a better position. That's what we are striving for," Kohli said, emphasizing their focus on preparing the next generation. He also added that the team is already in good hands and has the talent to dominate world cricket for the next 8-10 years.
Their leadership also comes with a no-nonsense approach, as Kuldeep Yadav would attest after getting scolded for his lack of effort in the field. Both veterans are setting high standards because they have a clear objective—making India the best team in all formats.
Interestingly, the Champions Trophy win would have been a perfect exit point for at least one of them, just like their T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, where they stepped away from the shortest format to allow fresh faces to take over. But in ODIs, it’s different. Rohit and Kohli feel there’s still unfinished business, more work to be done, and a few gaps to fill before they step aside.
And then there’s the ultimate goal—the ODI World Cup. The 2023 heartbreak still lingers, and despite winning two ICC events since then, the big one remains unconquered. As of now, there are 24 ODIs left before the 2027 World Cup, where Rohit will be 40 and Kohli 38. Their participation is uncertain, but if there's one thing cricket has taught us, it’s to never count these two out. They could defy expectations once again, silencing critics with another memorable moment—perhaps even another dandiya dance celebration in Johannesburg, Durban, or Centurion.
For now, though, the message is clear—retirement can wait.
