Kapil Dev hails Rohit Sharma amid ODI retirement speculation before Lord's
Synopsis
Kapil Dev's warm send-off words for Rohit Sharma — 'He has entertained the nation immensely' — arrived just as the BCCI scrambled to deny retirement talk. With Rohit already out of T20s and Tests, Sunday's Lord's ODI has become cricket's most-watched non-final in years. The numbers — 11,731 runs, a T20 World Cup, a Champions Trophy — make any farewell a generational moment.
Key Takeaways
Kapil Dev praised Rohit Sharma on 18 July , saying he has 'entertained the nation immensely' amid ODI retirement speculation.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia denied any retirement discussions, calling Rohit 'a key player for India'.
Reports suggest Rohit may not be part of India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup .
Rohit has scored 11,731 runs in 286 ODIs and captained India in 56 matches.
He previously retired from T20 Internationals and Tests , leaving ODIs as his only remaining format.
India won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in the UAE under Rohit's captaincy.
Cricket legend and former India captain Kapil Dev has lavished praise on Rohit Sharma amid intensifying speculation over the veteran opener's future in One Day Internationals, saying the batter has given the nation memories that very few players ever could. The tribute came as reports swirled that Sunday's third ODI against England at Lord's could mark Rohit's final appearance in the 50-over format.
Kapil Dev's tribute to Rohit
'He has entertained the nation immensely, something very few players have achieved. He is one of those outstanding cricketers who has given us so much. If he is retiring, I wish him all the very best,' said Kapil Dev on 18 July. The former World Cup-winning captain's words carried particular weight given his own iconic status in Indian cricket, and they reflected a broader sentiment building around Rohit's storied career.
BCCI moves to quash rumours
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was quick to push back against the retirement narrative. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated categorically that no discussions have taken place regarding Rohit's ODI future and that the former captain remains central to India's planning.
'Rohit Sharma remains a key player for India. There has been no discussion at all about Lord's being his last ODI. The entire team is focused on the important match ahead, and there's no need to pay attention to such speculation,' Saikia said on Friday.
What triggered the speculation
The rumours gained traction after sources reportedly indicated that Rohit may not feature in India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. His underwhelming performances in the first two ODIs of the ongoing series against England added fuel to the fire. This comes amid a broader transition in Indian cricket's white-ball leadership — Shubman Gill has already taken over as ODI captain, leaving the 50-over format as Rohit's sole remaining avenue in international cricket.
Rohit had previously retired from T20 Internationals after leading India to the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup title, and ended his Test career on 7 May 2025, ahead of India's tour of England.
Rohit's ODI legacy by the numbers
Whatever transpires at Lord's, Rohit's ODI record stands among the finest in the format's history. Across 286 matches, he has accumulated 11,731 runs, cementing his place as one of India's greatest white-ball openers. As captain, he led India in 56 ODIs, steering the side to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup and, most recently, to victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in the UAE.
What happens next
With the BCCI firmly denying any retirement talks, all eyes will be on Rohit's performance in the third ODI at Lord's on Sunday. A strong showing could settle the debate for now, while another lean outing may only intensify questions about his place in India's long-term ODI blueprint heading into the 2027 cycle.
Point of View
Combined with Shubman Gill's elevation as ODI captain, makes a clean break look less like rumour and more like managed transition. The real question is not whether Rohit retires, but whether India's communication around elite-player exits has matured enough to handle it with dignity rather than denial. Kapil Dev's graceful tribute suggests at least one former captain understands what the moment calls for.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kapil Dev say about Rohit Sharma's retirement?
Kapil Dev said Rohit Sharma has 'entertained the nation immensely' and wished him 'all the very best' if he decides to retire from ODIs. He made the remarks on 18 July amid speculation that Sunday's third ODI at Lord's could be Rohit's final appearance in the format.
Has the BCCI confirmed Rohit Sharma's ODI retirement?
No. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated there has been 'no discussion at all' about Lord's being Rohit's last ODI and called him 'a key player for India'. The board moved quickly to dismiss the retirement rumours.
Why is there speculation about Rohit Sharma retiring from ODIs?
Speculation grew after reports suggested Rohit may not be part of India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans, compounded by his poor form in the first two ODIs against England. He has already retired from T20 Internationals and Tests, leaving ODIs as his only format.
What is Rohit Sharma's ODI record?
Rohit Sharma has scored 11,731 runs in 286 ODI matches, making him one of India's greatest white-ball openers. As captain, he led India in 56 ODIs, reaching the 2023 ODI World Cup final and winning the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in the UAE.
Who replaced Rohit Sharma as India's ODI captain?
Shubman Gill took over as India's ODI captain following Rohit's step back from the leadership role, leaving Rohit to continue only as a batter in the 50-over format.
