‘I don’t pay attention to…’ – Rohit Sharma calls out critics post Test retirement

Indian ODI skipper Rohit Sharma spoke to noted journalist Vimal Kumar recently. The interview came about just days after Rohit had decided to retire from Test cricket. The decision came after a prolonged bad run of form in the longest format of the game. Rohit had scored just 31 runs from five innings in the recent tour of Australia. 

Rohit Sharma was asked to give his views on the criticism that he has been facing in the last few days. Replying to this, the 38-year-old said, “Criticism is a part of a sportsperson's life. Criticism is necessary and important. But what I'm against is unnecessary criticism. I don't like it. There were a lot of things said about me. But I don't pay attention to any of it, and it doesn't affect me."

The 38-year-old called out critics for setting a narrative about his ‘struggles’ against left-arm pacers. Rohit said, “So many things have been said about me - like I can't play left-arm fast bowlers, and many other things - but now, I don't pay attention to it anymore. Now, if you go and defend it, a lot of things might go wrong. And you will be losing out on time, and time is precious. My work is to attack,"

Rohit Sharma’s coach reveals cricketers plans after Test retirement 

Dinesh Lad, who happens to be the childhood coach of Rohit Sharma, has made a massive statement on his ward’s retirement from the Test format. In his chat with PTI, Dinesh Lad said that the 38-year-old hadn’t retired from the Test format in haste and it was a well-thought-out decision. 

“He didn't take the decision in a hurry. It's not that he retired because of his form. He didn't want to play T20Is after the World Cup, but it was his decision to continue with the other two formats. He must have thought carefully about what was best for him to do. This decision has nothing to do with the upcoming tour of England. The main thought would have been to give the next generation a chance, just like he did after the T20 World Cup last year,” said Rohit Sharma’s childhood coach. 

Mr. Lad also mentioned that Rohit will call time on his career in 2027 and has set his eyes on winning the ODI World Cup. “His target was the World Test Championship, but unfortunately, we didn't qualify. Now, it's the 2027 World Cup. I also want him to win the 2027 World Cup and then retire."