India’s assistant coach Morne Morkel has skirted around the rumours of Rohit Sharma‘s potential retirement after the India vs England 3rd ODI at Lord’s. Following the former India captain failed to fire at Cardiff, there was buzz about Rohit being forced to hang up his boots once the England tour ends on July 19.
BCCI rubbishes Rohit Sharma retirement rumours
It came out that the selectors and management weren’t keen on Rohit continuing. After the clamour, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) came out and rubbished the reports. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the opener will remain in the scheme of things for the ODI World Cup 2027.
“There are a lot of speculations going on in the media about Rohit Sharma’s future. I want to firmly assert that there has been no such discussion that Rohit will be playing his last match at Lord’s on Sunday. Rohit is a regular member of the Indian ODI team, and he will continue to represent the country as long as he is in the scheme of things. In other words, Lord’s ODI won’t be his last match,” Saikia had said.
Indian management unconcerned
On the eve of the India vs England 3rd ODI, Morkel turned up for the pre-match press conference. The former South Africa fast bowler was asked about the rumours. He talked about Rohit’s struggles against England – 11 (21) and 26 (47). The India assistant coach stated that being an opener in testing conditions isn’t easy.
He backed Rohit to come good, something he has done in his 19-year India career. Morkel added that the veteran’s presence in the dressing room and on the pitch brings calmness to the side. Morkel stated that the management – Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill – aren’t worried about his batting or place in the side.
“Batting up front, it is not easy. No doubt Rohit will work it out. He has done it in the past. He is experienced. And he just brings that calmness to the batting line-up. So, without a doubt, no worries and concerns at all with the way he is going about things,” Morkel told reporters at Lord’s.
Cricket
Morne Morkel tries to damage control after 'Rohit Sharma retirement' expose
