“Like I have been rested for a series”- Rohit Sharma on T20I retirement

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has opened up on his T20I retirement and said it feels like he was rested for the three-match series against Sri Lanka. Rohit announced his T20I retirement after leading India to glory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Team India defeated South Africa by seven runs at Barbados in the final to break their major ICC title hoodoo.

Rohit said it was a perfect way to hang his boots after the T20 World Cup triumph. The right-hander also led from the front in the T20I showpiece, scoring 257 runs in eight matches at an average of 36.71 and a blistering strike rate of 156.71.

Rohit said in the pre-match press conference, “At the moment, the T20I retirement feeling is like I have been rested for a series.”

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav has taken over as T20I skipper after Rohit’s retirement. Yadav led India to a 3-0 series win against Sri Lanka as the visitors came up with a collective show. SKY also led from the front, scoring 92 runs in three games and bagged the Player of the Series award.

Rohit said for SKY, “Early days for Surya as T20I captain. Good start, but let him do the job a bit more.”

On the other hand, Rohit also shared his surprise at the passing of former Indian player and coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who died at 71 because of blood cancer.

“Absolutely devastated to hear the news of Anshuman Gaekwad’s passing. I was lucky to have a few chances to talk to him in the past.”

The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Friday.