Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has warned the Indian team management and selection committee, stating that any attempt to force the Indian talismanic batter Rohit Sharma to retire could have harsh consequences.
Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, the former Pakistan cricketer asserted that if Rohit is forced to retire from international cricket, his colleague Virat Kohli might also choose to end his career.
“If he continues to perform, he should keep playing. Right now, if you want to judge him solely on the basis of his performances in the two matches in England or on Gautam Gambhir’s likes and dislikes, then you should also keep Virat Kohli in mind,” Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel.
“If today it is Rohit’s turn, then next time it could be Virat’s. Given the way Virat retired from Test cricket, there is a possibility that both of them could announce their retirements at Lord’s. If too much pressure is applied, I feel such a decision could end up being made, which would be a huge mistake, because the cricketing world still wants to watch Virat play,” he added.
A few days ago, reports in the Indian media stated that the selection committee had informed Rohit that the Lord’s ODI would be his last to give more opportunities to young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal enough time before the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. However, on Friday, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia brushed aside all speculations.
“Let’s see what happens in the match on Sunday. But if this turns out to be his last game, then he has been a truly great ambassador. My wish is that it should not be his final match. And if you have to give someone a farewell, then let them have it in front of their own people,” he concluded.
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