“The noise since I made my debut was there” - Sharma Dismisses Retirement Rumours

by Devesh Jaganath

image “The noise since I made my debut was there” - Sharma Dismisses Retirement Rumours
Amid widespread reports and swirling rumours, India’s Rohit Sharma has now firmly dismissed speculation that his international career could be coming to an end this year. The veteran batsman has affirmed that his sole focus is representing his nation at the ICC ODI World Cup next year.
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Sharma Focused On Leading India to 2027 World Cup Glory

India’s white-ball setup has been undergoing a major overhaul over the past year, with Shubman Gill taking over the captaincy of the ODI team, while Shreyas Iyer has replaced Suryakumar Yadav as the skipper in the shortest version. 

During this period, several of India’s stalwarts have called time on their international careers in certain formats, most notably with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from the Test and T20I arenas following the last edition of the T20 World Cup. 

While Kohli has maintained excellent form in the 50-over format, Sharma has endured a turbulent run over the past 12 months, which led to widespread speculation that his time in the national team could be coming to an end. 

Rumours suggested that the 39-year-old opener was preparing to hang up his boots after the team’s disappointing tour to England, where they lost both the ODI and T20 series. However, that was before he blasted a stunning 138 from just 110 deliveries. 

Following that innings, Sharma firmly dismissed the speculation regarding his international future. In an interview with the media, he said: 

“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 doi 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.”

Unfortunately, despite Sharma’s stunning innings at Lord’s, India suffered a 27-run defeat and lost the series 2-1. They were also completely demolished in the T20Is, losing the series 4-0, while one match was washed out. 

 

India Off To Bright Start Against Zimbabwe in Harare

Following their disappointing trip to England, India had next to no time to dwell on the results, as they were on the plane to Africa in just a few days to face Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club in the first of a three-match T20I series on Thursday. 

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Men in Blue got off to an excellent start, knocking over the dangerous Brian Bennett off the very first ball en route to picking up three wickets inside the power play. 

Express pacer Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav starred with the ball for India, picking up two wickets apiece while conceding just 37 runs collectively in their four overs. While Wesley Madhevere delivered a resilient 39 off 34, India held Zimbabwe to just 125/7 in their 20 overs. 

In their chase, Shreyas Iyer’s side stormed out the blocks thanks to a sublime knock by 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavnahi, who became the youngest Indian to play for the senior team after making his debut against England earlier this month. 

The teenage sensation smashed 50 runs off just 19 deliveries, including four 4s and four 6s, leading his side to victory with seven wickets to spare. The second T20I between Zimbabwe and India will take place on Saturday, July 25.