While the world was hailing his astute captaincy and big-match temperament for top-scoring in India's Champions Trophy triumph, Rohit Sharma stepped up to clarify one thing -- he plans to continue playing 50-over cricket for some more time.
Rohit, who had announced his retirement from T20I cricket soon after India emerged victorious in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2024, on Sunday categorically said that he is not going to retire from the ODI format any time soon.
One more thing, I am not going to retire from this format, just to make sure no more rumours are going to get spread, going forward.
Sharma during the post-match press conference in Dubai after India's four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday said
The India captain was adjudged Player of the Match for the final after top-scoring with 76 off 83 balls that propelled India towards triumph after the Men in Blue restricted New Zealand to 251/7.
Though the Black Caps claimed three quick wickets after Rohit and Shubman Gill had raised a century partnership for the opening wicket, vital contributions by Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and K.L Rahul ensured India won by four wickets in the final and claimed the Champions Trophy for the third time, becoming the most successful nation in this ICC event.
In an ODI career that began in 2007, Rohit has now played 273 matches, scoring 11,168 runs, with his high score of 264 coming against Sri Lanka in 2014.
In the post-match press conference, Rohit also revealed India's mantra for success in ICC tournaments -- he has won four ICC titles -- 2007 T20 World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy, 2024 T20 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy -- making him the joint-most successful Indian player with Virat Kohli (2011, 2013, 2024, 2025).
On Sunday, Rohit also revealed some of the principles that have underscored an incredible run of success in ICC tournaments - including the ICC Men's T20 World Cup last year.
It shows a lot of quality in the team, a lot of depth, a lot of understanding within the group, a lot of enjoyment, a lot of excitement.
Sharma said
That is how we want to play our cricket. There is too much pressure from the outside...there is so much speculation that happens. The boys in the team have managed to put that aside and just focus on how to win games and how to enjoy the game.I'm really, really proud being the captain of this team...to play the finals of all four trophies was really good and shows how consistent we are as a team.
Sharma added
Can rule the world for eight years: Kohli
After the win, talismanic batter Virat Kohli said that India has a squad that can take on the world for the next eight years.
It's been amazing, we wanted to bounce back after a tough Australian tour and wanted to win a big tournament, so to win the Champions Trophy is amazing. So much talent in the dressing room, they're trying to take their game further and we're just happy to be of help (role of the seniors), sharing our experience and that's what makes this Indian team so strong.
Kohli speaking after the match said
These are the things you want to play for – titles, playing under pressure, and putting your hand up. The whole team, everyone has put their hands up at some point during the tournament. Everyone has put up impactful performances. We've been part of an amazing team, and the amount of work we've done in the practice sessions – it feels great to win.
Kohli reflected on the significance of the victory, said
When you leave, you want to leave the team in a better place. I feel we have a squad that's ready to take on the world for the next eight years. Shubman has been outstanding, Shreyas has played some top knocks, KL has finished games, and Hardik has been superb with the bat.
Kohli went on to say