With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final between India and New Zealand just around the corner, speculation is swirling about Rohit Sharma’s future in international cricket. Many believe the 37-year-old might retire after the big game. However, on the eve of the final, vice-captain Shubman Gill dismissed the rumors, stating that neither he nor the team had heard anything about it yet.
Gill, who has built a strong opening partnership with Rohit in ODIs over the years, said the skipper is fully focused on winning the Champions Trophy and bringing the title home, without any distractions.
India’s vice-captain said the team is only focused on how to win and outplay the BlackCaps in the final.
Earlier, Rohit Sharma’s international future came under debate after he stepped down from the Sydney Test against Australia due to poor form. However, he silenced critics with a century in the second ODI against England and hasn’t looked back since. While he hasn’t scored big in the Champions Trophy so far, he has provided India with explosive starts in the powerplay.
I am very excited about the final, my second ICC (senior) final. Last time we couldn’t win, hopefully we will this time: Gill.
I have learnt a lot. There is an added responsibility. There are a lot of young players. My role is to talk to young bowlers under pressure, understand whether they are following the plans – Gill on being the vice-captain.
Not really. As a batsman you’re always prepared to bat first. We talk about it (losing toss) but in a light way – Gill.
Winning the title in 2024 doesn’t mean we are less hungry but it gives some momentum – Gill.
Whatever matches you play, you look to do well. Obviously, you can’t score a hundred every time. But in a big match, you try to see out a few deliveries (to get your eye in) – Gill.
We are motivating each other, trying to push each other. If there is pressure on someone, we see how we can help him. This is as important as taking a five-for or scoring a hundred – Gill.
I don’t think the wicket is going to play differently. We haven’t seen a score of 300 here. I don’t think weather will play a part – Gill.
There has been no such talk in the dressing room, we are only thinking about the match. Rohit also isn’t thinking like that. After the match, he will think if there is anything – Gill on whether Rohit will retire from internationals.
West Indies and then Australia in the past, they would not think about the big occasion. They played their normal game in the final: Gill.
INDIA: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
