Rohit Sharma says he thrives under pressure amid speculations of his future in the Indian team
Prior to India's third One-Day International against England, speculation about Rohit Sharma's future in the format had reached a fever pitch
Xtra Time Newsdesk: Former ODI captain Rohit Sharma rubbished rumors around his future in international cricket, saying that if there is no noise then there is no fun in the game. Speaking after becoming the first Indian to smash an ODI century at the Home of Cricket, the veteran batsman made it clear that retirement is not on his horizon.
Prior to India's third One-Day International against England, speculation about Rohit Sharma's future in the format had reached a fever pitch. Facing immense media scrutiny and murmurs that the match at Lord's might be his last in the blue jersey, Rohit answered in the most decisive way possible: with his bat.
Sharma differentiated between external chatter and his internal focus in a powerful post match interview with the BCCI
"My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country. That's what I have been told to do since I made my debut. That's what I am going to do," Sharma stated flatly. "Since I made my debut, the noise was there. Till the time, I am going to be there, the noise will be there. Doesn't matter to me. What matters is what I do on the field. I want to try and contribute to the success of the team. That's all my focus is."
Rather than being bogged down by the pressure, the opener said that he thrives on the pressure that comes with representing India on the global stage."If there is no noise, there is no fun," Sharma added with characteristic candour. "My job is inside. Their job is outside. That's how I look at it."
This philosophical response to public pressure came after a masterclass with the bat. Chasing a tough total of 388 set by a powerful England line-up, Rohit battled his critics by hitting an incredible 138 off only 110 deliveries. His effort, which included 17 boundaries and five majestic sixes, became him the first Indian hitter to reach an ODI century at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground.
Rohit led India's chase with elegance, forming a crucial 147-run opening combination with Shubman Gill before adding another 113 runs with Virat Kohli. Although India fell 27 runs short, closing on 360 for 7, Rohit's brilliance transformed the story from a possible departure to a tremendous declaration of longevity.
