Former India captain Rohit Sharma dismissed speculation over his international future after Sunday’s series-deciding One-Day International against England, saying his only priority remains representing India and helping the team succeed.
The 39-year-old made a blistering 138 off 110 balls in India’s unsuccessful chase at Lord’s, amid reports the match could be his final appearance in Indian colours.
The century ended a run of 11 ODIs without reaching three figures, a lean spell that had prompted questions over his place ahead of next year’s World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Despite the scrutiny, Sharma has retained the backing of the team management.
“My job is with the bat, come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That’s what I have been told to do since my debut, so that’s what I am going to do,” Sharma said in an interview published on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) website.
“The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I am going to stay here, it is always going to be there.
“So it doesn’t really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That’s all my focus is right now.
“And let the noise be there. If there is no noise, there is no fun.”
Despite Rohit’s century, India lost the match and the three-match ODI series 2-1 to England.
India next travel to Zimbabwe for a three-match Twenty20 International series from July 23-26 before beginning a test tour of Sri Lanka next month.
