Winning gives more satisfaction than personal milestones: Rohit

Skipper Rohit Sharma ruled out any retirement plans after guiding India to Champions Trophy title with a victory over New Zealand in Dubai.

Speculations were rife that Rohit will announce his retirement if India win Champions Trophy to finish his ODI career on a high. Contrary to the anticipation of the media, Rohit himself made it clear at the end of the post-match press conference that he is in no mood to call it quits.

“One thing that I want to make clear is that I am not quitting one-day internationals. So, all of you are requested not to spread any rumours about my retirement,” asserted Rohit after the final.

Out of the four, it is the second ICC tournament, which India won within nine month under the captaincy of Rohit.

They also lifted the T20 World Cup in West Indies in 2024. In the other two – 50-over World Cup and the World Test Championship, they lost in the final.

However, Of late, Rohit was not delivering with the bat. Before playing a match-winning knock of 76, Rohit had not had a great tournament. Rohit was getting starts but failed to convert them into big scores.

He was chipping in with very vital contributions on the top by giving a blitzkrieg start, which made the life of the batsmen easier.

“I know how important it is to score runs in the first ten overs. We have seen in all the matches that after the power play, it becomes difficult to score runs when the spinners come on attack and fielders are also outside the circle,” said Rohit.

Indian captain expressed his delight at playing a match-winning knock.

“It always feels good to win a tournament. It feels better when you have contributed to the victory of your team. If I score 30-40 runs and the team wins, that is better than scoring a century and being on the losing side,” he stressed.

“Like I had a great tournament in the 2019 World Cup, but we could only reach the semis only. I will not reckon it as one of the best. It was not fun,” said the swashbuckling Indian opener.

Rohit scored five centuries in the 2019 50-over World Cup and emerged as the top scorer in the tournament.

After becoming the only captain to lead India in all ICC finals, Rohit credited the coach, ex-coaches and players for the consistent performance.

“The team was not built overnight. It is not easy to give such a consistent performance. I did not build this team single-handedly. The credit goes to our coach Gautam Gambhi, ex- coach Rahul Dravid and players.

“They have been working hard on their individual performances which we see as a collective effort on the ground, churning out positive results one after the other,” added the Indian captain.

Rohit also dedicated the victory to the nation and its people.

“This trophy is for our countrymen. I know it could have never been possible without their support and love. No matter where we play, we always have a strong support of the fans.

“Like in this tournament, the fans turned up in large numbers to support us in all the matches. Their prayers and wishes motivate us,” he apprised.

The Indian captain also praised KL Rahul as an unsung hero in the Champions Trophy.

“We have a deep discussion about the batting position of Rahul. He provides an extra depth to our batting at number six. He is calm batting at that position.

“I am very happy with how he handled the pressure in both the semi-final and final. With him out there in the middle, we are relaxed. Not only, he keep a calm head but also keeps us calm,” said Rohit.

Rohit and Kohli led the chase in the final and semi-final with cracking fifties. But, it was Rahul who took India past the target after they had departed in both the matches.

Rahul scored a patient 42 against Australia in the semi-final and again scored an unbeaten 34 against New Zealand in the final.

Rahul started his career as an opener but due to lack of the runs on the top he was dropped to number six. But he adapted to the role of the finisher well and cemented his place in the team. Because of his batting exploits, he became the first-choice wicket keeper against Rishab Pant, who also is a world-class player.