BCCI shuts down Rohit Sharma retirement rumours

For the time being, Rohit Sharma's position has not changed. Even though his selection for the 2027 World Cup is still the subject of intense speculation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stated that there is no immediate threat to the former captain's position.

“He is playing superbly in all the matches. So, what else do you require? In the last match, he scored 138 runs. So why is there speculation? Devajit Saikia said on Thursday, "For the time being, I don't want to give the speculators any information."

The statement was made by the BCCI secretary in an interview with the media following the Indian team's review meeting at the Board headquarters. There were repeated questions about Rohit’s future, and Saikia sought to drive home the point that the former captain’s place remained safe.

In point of fact, Saikia denied that Rohit's inclusion in the ODI squad had been discussed. “No, no. Because we have a lot of series coming up, we have basically thought about what our next steps should be in terms of team preparation and everything else.

“The Afghanistan series begins immediately, followed by the T20Is, the West Indies ODI series, and a very important and crucial New Zealand series. That will be followed by another series, most probably against Zimbabwe, and then we have the five-Test series against Australia - the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” he said.

Reports suggested that the selectors were not keen on continuing with Rohit for the 2027 World Cup and that the Lord’s ODI in July against England was to be his last international. The BCCI promptly intervened to set the record straight, stating that Rohit remains part of its World Cup plans.

In the meantime, VVS Laxman has been linked to new positions within the Indian team's structure, including director of cricket, according to some reports. However, Saikia ruled out such a move. I don't talk about new rumors. We have not had any such discussion, nor do we have any such intention.” Laxman, however, will be with the India team as head coach during the Asian Games.

Laxman, the head of the Centre of Excellence (CoE), was part of the review meeting along with the two captains - Shubman Gill (Test and ODI) and Shreyas Iyer (T20I). India head coach Gautam Gambhir was also present, but chief selector Ajit Agarkar was a notable absentee.