Published: Mar 13, 2025, 01:39 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 13, 2025, 01:39 PM (IST)
Legendary South Africa wicketkeeper-batter AB de Villiers believes that Rohit Sharma has got no reason to retire from international cricket anytime soon.
Speculations were rife about Rohit’s retirement from ODIs after the Champions Trophy, but the 37-year-old put them to rest after leading India to an unprecedented third title.
“Compared to other captains, look at Rohit’s win percentage — it’s almost 74 per cent, which is substantially more than any other captain of the past,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
“If he keeps going, he will go down as one of the best ODI captains of all time. Rohit has also said he is not retiring and has requested that rumours be stopped spreading,” de Villiers added.
Rohit played a crucial knock of 76 from 83 deliveries, carrying India to the tricky total of 252 against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday.
Hailing Rohit’s record as both a batter and captain, de Villiers was effusive in his praise for how the India captain transformed his batting in the ODI format over the last three years to win 2 ICC trophies within a year.
“Why would he retire? With that kind of record not only as captain but also as a batter. That 76 in the final, giving India a fantastic start, laying the foundation for success and leading from the front when the pressure was at its peak,” de Villiers said.
“Rohit Sharma has got no reason to retire. No reason to take any criticism whatsoever. His record speaks for himself. Not only that, but he has also sort of transformed his game,” de Villiers added.
