The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) firmly dismissed speculation over Bollywood star Rohit Sharma’s retirement plans and denied reports that the 36-year-old opener is ‘likely to retire’ after the third One Day International against England at Lord’s.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was explicit in dismissing the reports and added that there had been “no discussion over Rohit’s retirement from international cricket”. Saikia also said that Rohit is now a part of India’s ODI plans and will keep playing for the team as long he stays on the team’s roadmap.

The buzz regarding his retirement had grown stronger after reports emerged that the selectors are looking to part ways with the 39-year-old ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. His performances in the ongoing England, too, have been scrutinised due to a lack of runs from the bat of the former skipper. The experienced opener is now under considerable scrutiny, but the Indian team management seem to be backing him for the long-term future.

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had also backed Rohit after the loss in Cardiff, arguing that a couple of failures don’t affect the quality of a player like him. Kotak said that Rohit can come out with a match-winning innings at any time, including the one to be held at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Rohit Sharma continues to be one of the most prolific ODI batsmen in history. He is the only player to hit three double centuries in the format, with his 264 not out against Sri Lanka remaining as the highest ever ODI score. Rohit has practised with only the 50-over format for India after retiring from Test and T20I cricket.

As of now, the message from the BCCI is clear-cut: Rohit Sharma’s time in ODIs for India is not over yet and even Sunday’s match at Lord’s won’t signal closure on this golden era in Indian cricket.