'His retirement will be decided': Mohammad Kaif makes bold statement on Rohit Sharma's future after Lord's heroics

Former India cricketer and commentator Mohammad Kaif has thrown his weight behind Rohit Sharma amid growing speculation over the international future, insisting that retirement is a personal decision and should not be dictated by public opinion.Rohit recently silenced critics in emphatic fashion by smashing a historic century at Lord's during the 3rd ODI against England. His knock of 138 from 110 balls made him the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue, arriving at a time when rumours had intensified that the Lord's fixture could be his final international appearance before the 2027 ODI World Cup. Those retirement rumours were earlier dismissed by the BCCI, and Rohit himself responded in the best possible way, with the bat.Reacting to the debate surrounding the India captain, Kaif said Rohit has continued to perform despite immense external pressure and deserves the freedom to decide when to call time on his career."Rohit Sharma's retirement will be decided by Rohit Sharma himself. He has the right. He has worked so hard for India. He has the right to retire of his own will. 12,000 runs, 34 centuries - till the time he was the captain, he never let India lose. Not even today was anyone able to defeat India in white-ball cricket under his captaincy. What a captain he has been. Yet there is so much pressure on him, with people constantly saying, 'Rohit Sharma, it's time to retire.' Under all that pressure, he became the highest run-scorer at Lord's. No other Indian batter scored a century there in this match, it came from Rohit's bat," Kaif said in a video posted on his X account.Kaif urged BCCI to back himKaif further suggested that public backing from the Indian team management and the BCCI could further motivate the veteran opener ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup."Imagine if Shubman Gill, as captain, publicly says, 'Rohit bhai, I need you for the 2027 World Cup.' Or if the BCCI clearly states that Rohit will play for India for as long as he wants and nobody should question him. That kind of support would make a huge difference," he added. The former India batter believes Rohit thrives on responsibility and confidence from those around him."Right now, he is under pressure because everyone is waiting for him to fail. But when he knows his captain, coach and the BCCI are standing firmly behind him, he will even scale the Himalayas for India. I hope people stop the unnecessary noise and allow Rohit Sharma to play in peace," Kaif concluded.England beat India to clinch ODI seriesIndia suffered a 27-run defeat to England in the third and final ODI, conceding the three-match series 2-1 despite fighting centuries and half-centuries from their top order. Chasing a daunting 388-run target, captain Rohit Sharma led from the front with a magnificent century, while Shubman Gill chipped in with 77 and Virat Kohli added a fluent 74.However, the massive target proved too steep as India's middle and lower order failed to sustain the momentum.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.