‘Rohit Sharma isn’t thinking about retirement’ – Shubman Gill dismisses speculations on India captain

India batter Shubman Gill provided a massive update on Rohit Sharma‘s cricketing future ahead of India’s highly-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand in Dubai, scheduled for March 9. The Indian vice-captain confirmed that there were no discussions which Rohit had with the side or him on the eve of the summit clash.

After the pre-match press conference at the venue, it is reported that Gill made his entry back to the media room to confirm that he had no knowledge of Rohit’s plans on retiring from the 50-over format.

“Till now, we have only been discussing about 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,” stated Gill on Saturday, March 08.

Furthermore, Rohit’s deputy commented on what he thought of how the Dubai deck would play on Sunday in the ultimate clash.

“I don’t think the wicket is going to behave any differently. We haven’t really seen a 300 score here as yet and I think irrespective of the weather, the wicket is going to be similar to what we’ve been playing on. And I think we as a team have got a good idea of how to play on those kinds of wickets and how to bowl on those kinds of wickets,” noted Gill. 

India will take on New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Their previous encounter was during the group-stage of the season, a clash the Men in Blue won by 44 runs. India and New Zealand ended up first and second in Group A, respectively.

The pressure of big matches is definitely there: Gill

The Punjab-born expressed that he was looking forward to the title decider. He also elaborated on there being the burden of expectations being there in such high-pressure games, as well as the list of aspects a team should tick for having a better shot at emerging victorious.

“I am very excited. This is my second ICC event for Team India and the second final. So definitely, I am very excited. I think the last time we could not do it; this time we will try to do it. The pressure of big matches is definitely there. But as we saw in the last match, if we were to talk purely about Australia’s bowling attack, they didn’t have much experience. Yet because it was a big match, there was pressure. So in such matches, the team that handles the pressure well, that takes the occasion out of the equation and doesn’t think that they’re playing the final, their chances of winning are better,” added Gill. 

The cricketer further shed light on how crucial experience plays a part in crunch games such as the final of the Champions Trophy 2025.

“We saw Virat in the last match. Because he has played so many important matches for India, played so many finals, so many semi-finals. The more you are in that situation and the more you have handled the pressure; you know that you have already done this. You know the pattern of the game. So, experienced players definitely come in handy,” he concluded.*

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