Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has criticized the speculation around Rohit SharmaThe future during India’s ODI series against England, saying retirement rumors would never have gained traction while the team was still competing.The debate erupted after Rohit’s early dismissal in the second ODI in Cardiff, with reports suggesting the veteran opener will retire from ODIs after the series finale at Lord’s. The report also suggested that the Indian team management is ready to move on from the former captain due to his inconsistent form. The rumors gathered enough momentum for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to step in, with secretary Devajit Saikia dismissing the claims as baseless.
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Rohit responded in the best way in the field. The opener smashed 138 off 110 balls in the third ODI at Lord’s, although India eventually fell 27 runs short chasing 388 and lost the three-match series 2-1.Reflecting on the episode, Dasgupta admitted that he was disappointed with the discussions that dominated the series and questioned why such conversations arose in the first place.“I want to vent my anger here because I was really angry when I read and listened to all this. It’s simple that as long as you keep scoring, you keep playing. The only question comes when that environment is created. To be honest, I didn’t hear it from any selector, captain, or coach. It’s different if it says I don’t know on his channel,” he said that I didn’t know on his YouTube channel.Following the conclusion of the series, Rohit also addressed the speculation in a video released by the BCCI, insisting that outside noise does not distract him from his responsibilities.“What really matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That’s where all my focus is. Leave the noise there, if there’s no noise there’s no fun. My work is inside, their work is outside, that’s how I see it,” he said.India’s next ODI assignment is a home series against the West Indies in September.Dasgupta also urged selectors and team management to avoid creating unnecessary uncertainty around senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli: as India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.According to the former wicketkeeper, selection should continue to be based on performances instead of treating established stars differently.“If you know that performances are required, then these kinds of talks will never happen. Some people may have a lot of opportunities, like Virat, Rohit, Shubman, they have done very well over the years. This is not a debate about Rohit, it is a debate about everyone. If there are many games, they will happen, so just let them go. Don’t treat them differently,” he said, adding that nothing should change.