Skipper Rohit Sharma has no plans to retire soon, confirmed Shubman Gill on the eve of the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai. The India vice-captain addressed the media, stating that discussions within the team have only revolved around winning the match and lifting the Champions Trophy. “Till now, we have only been discussing winning the match, winning the Champions Trophy. He has not spoken to me or to the team about this. I don’t think Rohit is thinking about it,” Gill said.
Speculation Around Rohit Sharma’s Future
Fans and analysts have been speculating about Rohit’s future, with rumors of a possible retirement announcement linked to his decision to step away from the Twenty20 format after winning the World Cup in Barbados last June. The Champions Trophy final now presents another fitting opportunity for such an announcement.
Many see Sunday’s game as the right moment for Rohit to retire from ODIs or international cricket entirely. His recent struggles with the bat in Tests and ODIs have fueled this speculation. However, Gill dismissed such thoughts and returned to the media room after the press conference to clarify his stance, ensuring that his comments were not misinterpreted. “I have no knowledge of Rohit having any such plans,” he reiterated.
India’s Familiarity with Dubai Conditions
Gill highlighted that the Indian team has adapted well to conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS), despite discussions about the sudden change in weather. With temperatures soaring in the daytime, dew could become a factor in night matches. “I don’t think the wicket is going to behave any differently. We haven’t really seen a 300-score here yet, and I think irrespective of the weather, the wicket is going to be similar to what we’ve been playing on. As a team, we have a good idea of how to play on these wickets and how to bowl on them,” Gill said.
India has dominated at this venue throughout the competition, winning all four of their matches at DICS. Their familiarity with the playing conditions could give them an edge in the final.
Gill’s Excitement for His Second ICC Final
Playing in an ICC final excites Gill, as this will be his second major event for India. He previously played in the 2023 World Cup final, where India lost to Australia. “I am very excited. This is my second ICC event for Team India and second final. So definitely, I am very excited. Last time, we could not do it; this time, we will try to do it,” he said.
Although Gill missed the T20 World Cup final in between, he remains eager to step up in crucial games. He understands the magnitude of the occasion and acknowledges that a Champions Trophy final cannot be treated as just another match. “The pressure of big matches is definitely there,” he admitted.
Handling Pressure in Big Matches
Gill stressed that handling pressure effectively is the key to success in a major final. He referred to India’s last match against Australia, pointing out that despite their bowlers lacking experience, the pressure of the knockout game made them perform differently. “If we talk purely about Australia’s bowling attack, they didn’t have much experience. Yet, because it was a big match, there was pressure. In such matches, the team that handles the pressure well, that takes the occasion out of the equation and doesn’t think that they are playing the final, has a better chance of winning,” he explained.
Experience in Big Games Matters
Gill emphasized that experience in high-pressure matches proves invaluable. He highlighted Virat Kohli’s performance in the semifinal, where Kohli scored a match-winning 84. “We saw Virat in the last match. Because he has played so many important matches for India, so many finals, so many semi-finals, he knows how to handle pressure. The more you find yourself in that situation and the more you have dealt with pressure before, the better you become at it. You understand the pattern of the game. So, experienced players definitely come in handy,” Gill said.
Gill himself has struggled for runs in the last two games. After a strong start to the tournament, where he scored a century against Bangladesh and followed it with 46 against Pakistan, his form dipped. He managed only two runs against New Zealand and eight against Australia in the semifinal.
Gill’s Preparation Ahead of the Final
Determined to regain form, Gill spent an extended session at the ICC Academy nets on Saturday. He practiced alongside Rohit Sharma while the rest of the team participated in light fielding and bowling drills at the DICS. The extra time in the nets indicated his commitment to finding rhythm ahead of the crucial final.
India enters the final with momentum, and the team remains focused on lifting the trophy rather than discussing retirements. Rohit Sharma, despite the swirling rumors, remains entirely dedicated to securing another ICC title for India. The final against New Zealand promises to be a gripping contest, with both teams eager to claim the prestigious Champions Trophy.
