Rohit Sharma Retirement: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia Clarifies Stance On Former India Captain's Future
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has refuted claims of Rohit Sharma's ODI retirement following a crucial review meeting in Mumbai on September 3, 2026. The 39-year-old opener's future for the 2027 ODI World Cup was a key agenda item, alongside Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja's statuses, amid reports of selector friction.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today, September 3, 2026, concluded a high-level review meeting at its headquarters in Mumbai, with BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia firmly addressing the swirling rumours about Rohit Sharma's retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket. Saikia categorically stated that the prolific opener continues to be an integral part of India's plans, urging media not to 'give fodder to such rumours'. Rohit Sharma New Show Name and Format.
BCCI Secretary on Rohit Sharma Retirement
"He is playing superbly in all matches. What more do you want? In the last match, he scored 130-140 runs. So why is there speculation? I do not want to give fodder to the speculators," stated Saikia to media after BCCI's review meeting. The meeting, attended by key stakeholders including Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, and Centre of Excellence (CoE) Head VVS Laxman, primarily focused on India's recent performances and charting the course for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The futures of veteran players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja were central to the discussions.
Retirement Speculation and Lord's Century
Speculation regarding Rohit Sharma's (39) ODI future has been rife since July 2026, intensifying after India's tour of England. Rohit Sharma, born on April 30, 1987, is indeed 39 years old as of September 2026. Reports from news agencies suggested that a member of the selection committee, though not Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, had informed Sharma that he was not considered part of India's long-term vision for the 2027 World Cup. It was reportedly suggested that Sharma announce his retirement after the third ODI against England at Lord's on July 19, 2026.
Sources indicated that Sharma was 'angry' but had initially 'agreed' to the directive. However, the narrative took a dramatic turn when the former India captain responded with a magnificent 138 runs off 110 balls in that very Lord's ODI, a knock that, despite coming in a losing cause, temporarily quieted the retirement chatter. This century made him the first Indian batter to achieve an ODI hundred at Lord's. Rohit Sharma Retirement: Ace Batter Reportedly Agreed to Retire Despite Being 'Angry.
BCCI vs Selectors: A Divided Stance
Saikia had publicly contradicted the retirement rumours even before Sharma's Lord's heroics, stating on July 18, 2026, that there had been 'no discussion whatsoever' about Sharma's final ODI. He reiterated today that Rohit is 'playing superbly in all matches' and highlighted his recent century. This public stance from the BCCI Secretary reportedly created friction with the selection committee, hinting at internal disagreements regarding the team's future direction.
Sharma himself addressed the "noise" around his future in July, stating his focus remained on contributing with the bat for his country. Having already retired from T20Is in 2024 and Tests in 2025, his ODI status remains the last format under scrutiny for the veteran batsman.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2026 06:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).