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Childhood coach dismisses Rohit Sharma's retirement; issues clarity on rift with Virat Kohli

Akshita Patel

Coach opens up on Rohit Sharma's retirement [Source: @unstoppable720/X.com]Coach opens up on Rohit Sharma's retirement [Source: @unstoppable720/X.com]

Rohit Sharma silenced all critics after scoring 202 runs in 3 ODIs against Australia. His childhood coach, Dinesh Lad, has now revealed that Rohit will not retire before playing the 2027 World Cup.

Before the beginning of the series, uncertainty around Rohit’s future in international cricket surfaced, with many anticipating him to retire before the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Rumours suggested that BCCI is not keen on carrying Rohit and Virat Kohli to the upcoming World Cup as both will be in their late 30s.

Rohit Sharma is in no mood to give up

However, on the field in Down Under, the narrative took a swift turn. Rohit Sharma scored 73 in the second ODI, followed by a statement knock of 121* in the third ODI at Sydney.

He finished as the leading run-scorer of the series, winning the player of the series award as well. After the latest century, Rohit’s childhood coach Dinesh Lad, speaking to PTI, said the veteran opener won’t retire until the 2027 ODI World Cup.

"This [century] is a special moment. There were talks that he was not performing, that he should stop playing cricket, but he played two good innings in the last two matches, and has shown he is still a top player who'll still contribute to the country. The only secret is his self-confidence. That's why he hasn't retired. He wants to play the 2027 World Cup and only retire after that, and he's preparing for that," Lad said.

Rohit Sharma's coach clears air on rift rumours with Virat Kohli

Interestingly, Dinesh Lad also cleared the air about rumours of a rift between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

"There were a lot of ugly talks about Virat. But I had said that he'd perform. Both did well. I want to see them play the 2027 World Cup. Many said there was friction between Rohit and Virat, but that's not true; they are close friends and play for the nation," he added.

Notably, Rohit’s intentions about the 2027 World Cup goal were already made clear when he underwent a physical transformation, shedding off 10-12 kilos before the Australia tour. 

He is still going strong and wants to remain in contention for the next World Cup, not as captain but as a strong anchor at the top.

Rohit Sharma to continue physical grind

Former Indian assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, talking to JioHotstar, has revealed that Rohit Sharma’s fitness transformation is far from over. 

After shedding 11 kilograms ahead of the Australia ODIs, the 38-year-old India star plans to lose even more weight before the upcoming South Africa ODI series, starting November 14.  

Nayar, who worked closely with Rohit in Mumbai, is keen to help him transform further before the next assignment approaches.