‘Retirement is personal decision’ – Former India player believes Rohit Sharma has earned right to quit on his own terms

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has a strong belief that current skipper Rohit Sharma has earned the right to quit the game on his own terms. Indian selectors are set to pick the team for the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy on Saturday. Rohit’s future has come under massive doubt after his woeful batting form in the last few months.

Manjrekar was a guest on ‘Deep Point’ show on Star Sports when he said “I believe that in Indian cricket, Tendulkar decided his future, and Rohit Sharma will decide his future. Retirement is a personal decision-how long you want to play or how much more you want to contribute is up to the player. Ultimately, though, it's also up to the selectors-in this case, Mr Ajit Agarkar and his team”

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma managed to score just 31 runs from five innings during the recent tour of Australia. The 37-year-old batter decided to opt out of the final Test match in Sydney. Rohit has hit the training ground and was seen practising with Hardik Pandya on Friday. 

Sanjay Manjrekar believes next few months crucial for Rohit Sharma’s future 

Team India is set to play a five-match T20I series followed by three ODI games against England. The upcoming series is a good chance for Men in Blue to iron out their flaws before the Champions Trophy tournament. Rohit and Co will start their campaign against Bangladesh, before the huge game against Pakistan on 23rd February. 

After the Champions Trophy tournament, players come back home for the IPL 2025 season before heading to England. The five-match Test series will officially begin the next World Test Championship Cycle for all the teams. Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the coming five months could have a huge say in Rohit’s future. 

“For Rohit, the next five months of predominantly international white-ball cricket and the IPL will be crucial. The weight of his performances in these formats will be telling. Beyond that, factors like his first-class cricket form, fitness levels, and performance in the Champions Trophy will also be important. The final decision rests with the selectors." opined Sanjay Manjrekar.