Rohit Sharma’s coach reveals when he plans to retire

Rohit Sharma's outstanding performance in the recent ODI series against Australia has addressed critics' concerns and sparked new discussions about his cricket future. The former Indian captain scored 202 runs across three matches with an average of 101 and a strike rate of 85.59, earning him the Player of the Series award.

His unbeaten 121- in Sydney led India to a nine-wicket victory, while his childhood coach Dinesh Lad revealed Sharma's ambition to continue playing until the 2027 World Cup.After returning from a lengthy break, Sharma initially showed signs of rustiness but quickly regained his form. His century in Sydney proved particularly significant, demonstrating his continued ability to perform at the highest level.

Dinesh Lad, who has mentored Sharma since childhood, expressed enthusiasm about his student's recent success."This is a special moment. There were talks that he was not performing, that he should stop playing cricket, but he played two good innings in the last two matches, 75 (73) first and now 120 (121-), and has shown he is still a top player who'll still contribute to the country'' Lad said to PTI videos.Lad attributed Sharma's longevity and determination to his self-belief."The only secret is his self-confidence. That's why he hasn't retired.

He wants to play the 2027 World Cup and only retire after that, and he's preparing for that."At 38 years old, Sharma faces competition from younger cricketers vying for positions in the Indian team. However, his recent performances indicate his capability to maintain his place in international cricket.Lad also addressed speculation about tension between Sharma and Virat Kohli, dismissing such claims. The pair's unbroken 168-run partnership in Sydney demonstrated their on-field chemistry."There were a lot of ugly talks about Virat... But I had said that he'd perform. Both did well. I want to see them play the 2027 World Cup... Many said there was friction between Rohit and Virat, but that's not true; they are close friends and play for the nation," Lad stated.The Sydney match proved particularly significant for both Sharma and the Indian team. His century helped secure the series victory while reinforcing his position as a key player in India's cricket setup.Sharma's recent achievements have quieted discussions about his retirement. His performances suggest he remains capable of contributing significantly to Indian cricket, supporting his goal of playing until the 2027 World Cup.