By Reuters

Date of publication: 20 Jul 202620 Jul 2026

Speculation about retirement often swirls around veteran cricketers, especially when their form dips and major tournaments loom.

Former India captain Rohit Sharma ⁠has dismissed ⁠speculation over his international future, saying his sole focus remains on representing the country and contributing to the team’s success.

The 39-year-old's remarks followed his blistering 138 off 110 balls in India's unsuccessful chase in the third one-day international against England on Sunday, amidst reports that the Lord's fixture might be his last in Indian colours.

Recommended Stories

list of 4 items

end of list

Sharma has long said he plans to play in the ICC World Cup in 2027, which is to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

That hundred snapped a lean spell during which Sharma had gone 11 ODIs without a three-figure score, a drought that sparked questions about his place ahead of next year's World Cup, but the opener retained the backing of the team management.

“My job is with the bat, come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That’s what I have been told to do ⁠since my debut, so that’s what I am ⁠going to do,” Sharma said in an interview on the website of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

“The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I am ⁠going to stay here, it is always going to be there.

“So it doesn’t really matter too ⁠much. What matters is what I do ⁠on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That’s all my focus is right now. And let the noise be there. If there is no ‌noise, there is no fun.”

Despite Rohit’s innings, India lost the match and conceded the ODI series 2-1.

India next travel to Zimbabwe for a ‌three-match ‌Twenty20 International series from Thursday through Sunday before touring Sri Lanka for a Test series next month.

India's next engagements are a three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe and a Test series in Sri Lanka. Despite Sharma's innings, India lost the ODI series 2-1, highlighting the challenge of building a consistent lineup for the 2027 World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.