Watch: Rohit Sharma's reaction finally ends suspense over retirement speculations, video breaks internet

Amidst mounting speculation regarding his ODI career, star Indian batter Rohit Sharma appeared to casually dismiss the media frenzy just ahead of the crucial series finale against England at Lord's. The veteran opener’s mindset became clear after a video surfaced on social media, capturing an intimate moment where Rohit seemed to tell India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, that the squad remains entirely unaffected by external noise. This comes after intense rumors broke during the second ODI in Cardiff, suggesting that the historic London ground would play host to Rohit's final appearance in the 50-over format.

Rohit Sharma's chat with Sitanshu Kotak goes viral

The retirement rumors quickly took the internet by storm, prompting a swift intervention from the board's top brass. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia officially shut down the reports, explicitly clarifying to the public that the upcoming match at Lord's would absolutely not mark the end of the former captain's ODI career.

The viral footage was captured as members of the Indian squad trickled onto the Lord's turf for their pre-match training session. A relaxed Rohit could be seen walking and talking with Kotak, visibly downplaying the media storm that had been brewing all week.

"Hum log ko bahar kya chal raha hai, us se humko kya," Rohit was overheard saying in the clip, which translates to, "We have nothing to do with what is going on outside."

Watch the video here:

BCCI puts an end to Rohit's retirement rumours

Amidst all the reports around Rohit's retirement, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia finally put an end to the intense speculation. Reacting to a wave of media reports claiming that the iconic opening batter is on the brink of playing his final match for India, the board has formally dismissed the rumors, offering fans strong assurances that his 50-over international career will continue past the London fixture.

The retirement rumors originally caught fire during the second ODI against England. Whispers emerged suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar had held a private discussion with the 39-year-old, allegedly conveying that he was no longer a part of the team's roadmap for the 2027 World Cup. The narrative claimed that management was eager to phase out the seasoned star to integrate younger, long-term options alongside Shubman Gill at the top of the order.

Quashing the media frenzy in a direct statement to PTI, Saikia firmly denied any truth to the story of an impending farewell match. He made it clear that the board has never held any discussions regarding the Lord's ODI serving as a retirement stage for the former captain. Reaffirming Rohit’s status within the national camp, the secretary emphasized that the "Hitman" remains an essential fixture of the ODI squad and will continue to wear the Indian jersey for as long as he remains in the selection committee's tactical plans.