‘Retirement has become a joke’ – India skipper Rohit Sharma takes sly dig at players who reverse their retirement decision

After India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 in June, Indian captain Rohit Sharma declared his retirement from T20 International cricket. In addition to reiterating his decision, the 37-year-old has now subtly poked fun at the current trend of athletes changing their minds about retiring.

After leading India to a stunning victory over South Africa in the Barbados final, Rohit made the decision to wave farewell to the game’s shortest format alongside colleagues Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. When discussing the cricket world’s present retirement predicament, the veteran did not hold back.

In the world of cricket these days, retiring has become a joke. After declaring retirement, some pick up their games again. It is uncommon here; it hasn’t occurred in India. On the other hand, I have noticed foreign players who declare their retirement only to later change their minds. Thus, it’s never truly certain if someone has retired,” Rohit remarked.

I’m absolutely clear about my decision, which is final: Rohit Sharma

The opener chose a thoughtful and strategic timing to end his T20I career. Sharma clarified that he felt it was the ideal moment to step away from the game and that retiring was the right decision.

“I am absolutely clear about my decision, and it is final. It was the ideal moment to bid adieu to the format, which I truly enjoyed using. I represented India in 50-over cricket, then in 2007 I went straight to the T20 World Cup. Both that tournament and this one (2024 T20 World Cup) I won. Time to move on, it’s good,” he said.

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Sharma has amassed 4231 runs at a strike rate of 140.89 in 159 games, with five centuries and thirty-two fifties. Rohit will still play Tests and One-Day Internationals for India in the interim. He will captain the squad in the forthcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, which will serve as the opening match of India’s exciting Test season. Sharma is also getting ready for the Champions Trophy in 2025.