As speculation grows over whether Rohit Sharma could be playing his final international match in Sunday’s third ODI against England at Lord’s, former India captain Kapil Dev has urged fans to celebrate the Indian skipper’s career instead of feeling sad.Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of an event, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain dismissed the idea of mourning Rohit’s possible retirement.“No, let’s stay happy. Why sad? He has given us so much happiness over the years. Everybody has to go. Sunil Gavaskar gone, Rahul gone, Anil Kumble gone, Sachin gone. Everybody has to go,” Kapil said.Kapil believes every cricketer’s career eventually comes to an end and Rohit’s achievements deserve to be celebrated.“So when he goes, we should celebrate his life. What a happiness, how much entertainment he has given to the country, not only to the country, but also around the world. We should be happy, why sad?” he said.The legendary all-rounder also wished Rohit the perfect farewell if the opener decides to retire.“Yes, he has to go one day. I hope if he’s going, he should get a hundred and go,” Kapil added.
Retirement talk grows during England series
Rohit, who made his ODI debut against Ireland in 2007, has already retired from T20Is and Test cricket. Reports suggesting the Lord’s ODI could be his final international appearance have gained traction during the ongoing England series.The 39-year-old batter has struggled with the bat, scoring 11 and 26 in the first two ODIs. Overall, Rohit has managed 241 runs in eight ODI innings this year at an average of 30.12, with a highest score of 79.India take on England in the series-deciding third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday, where Rohit will be hoping to silence the speculation with a match-winning performance.
