"Mentioned Only Virat Kohli": Shubman Gill's Remark Highlighted Amid Rohit Sharma Retirement Buzz
As per multiple reports, the third ODI between India and England at Lord's, London, is going to be Rohit's last dance in international cricket.
- Rohit retirement buzz grows as Sadagoppan Ramesh highlights Shubman Gill's Virat Kohli remark
- Ahead of the England ODI series, Gill revealed having a conversation with Kohli regarding the team combination
- "Gill was discussing tactics closely with Kohli. He mentioned only Virat Kohli and not Rohit Sharma" - Ramesh
A remark by India captain Shubman Gill has been highlighted by former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh amid the retirement buzz surrounding Rohit Sharma. As per multiple reports, the third ODI between India and England at Lord's, London, is going to be Rohit's last dance in international cricket. According to a PTI report, the veteran batter has been told by the national selectors that he is not in their plans for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. This has raised the possibility of Rohit either announcing his retirement or being dropped for good after Sunday's game, it added. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said that the Lord's match will not be Rohit's last for the Indian cricket team.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Sadagoppan Ramesh referred to a statement made by Gill before the start of the three-match ODI series against England.
Gill said, "Virat bhai (Kohli) and Rohit bhai (Sharma) have been the backbone of the Indian batting line-up for the past decade. They remain a very integral part of our team. The experience and skill they bring are obviously very valuable."
Ahead of the ODI series, the skipper was seen having a lengthy discussion with Kohli. At the pre-match press conference, he was asked about the discussion.
Gill revealed, "We were talking about the combination. Which combination would be best for us, which players are there who may not be in the team right now but can help us in the future, which bowlers, which all-rounders, which spinners."
While reacting to the recent reports on Rohit Sharma, Sadagoppan Ramesh said, "If close attention is paid to Shubman Gill's comments after the first ODI, he gave the impression that Virat and Rohit are the two eyes of the team. Yet, he added another statement, saying that he was discussing tactics for the 2027 ODI World Cup closely with Virat Kohli. What's noteworthy is that he mentioned only Virat Kohli and not Rohit Sharma. That made it relatively clear that Rohit Sharma isn't in India's plans for the 2027 World Cup."
The India vs England ODI series is currently tied at 1-1. The Gill-led side won the first game by six wickets before the Three Lions bounced back with a four-wicket victory.
India Cricket Team
Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma