Rohit Sharma once again proved why he is one of India’s calmest and most respected leaders — both on and off the field. After India’s dominating win over Australia in the 3rd ODI in Sydney on October 25, Rohit gave a subtle but powerful response to retirement rumours, leaving fans cheering across the globe.
His reaction, mixed with humour and confidence, has now gone viral on social media.
India’s Strong Win Sets the Perfect Stage
India may have lost the series 2–1, but the final match in Sydney felt like a completely different story. The Men in Blue outplayed Australia in every department. The memorable partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli reminded everyone of the golden days of Indian batting.
Rohit smashed a brilliant century, while Kohli supported him with a steady and classy half-century. Their unbeaten stand took India across the target with comfort and style.
Ravi Shastri’s Playful Joke Sparks a Viral Moment
After the match, Rohit and Kohli joined Ravi Shastri and Adam Gilchrist for a friendly post-match chat. The environment was easy-going and filled with laughter. During the conversation, Shastri joked:
“You two old dogs still have a sting in the tail.”
The remark was light-hearted, but it touched on a big topic — the constant discussions around Rohit and Kohli’s future in the game.
Rohit Sharma’s Perfect, Calm, and Classy Response
Rohit, known for his mature and clear thinking, gave a reply that instantly went viral:
“Looks like it, yes. We enjoy our cricket. No matter what we’ve achieved, whenever you get a chance to play, you must start fresh.”
With this one line, Rohit shut down all retirement speculations. His message was simple — experience does not mean the end, and age is not a barrier to passion.
He added that both he and Kohli treat every match as a new beginning, showing that they still have the hunger to compete at the highest level.
A Strong Message: Retirement Is Not Even Close
For months, social media had been filled with rumours about the future of India’s senior players. But Rohit’s words and his performance said everything:
- He is still committed
- He is still hungry
- He is still performing at the top
- And retirement is not on his mind
- Fans took a sigh of relief, hoping to see him and Kohli continue until at least the 2027 ODI World Cup.
A Dominating Display from India’s Senior Stars
In the final ODI, Rohit scored a magnificent 121 off 125, while Kohli contributed 74 off 81. Their 168-run partnership led India to victory with nearly 12 overs left — a statement of strength.
Rohit’s performance earned him the Player of the Series award, proving once again that experience is a powerful asset in cricket.
Team India Prepares for Upcoming T20I Series
With the ODI series done, India now shifts focus to the T20I series starting on October 29. New stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, and Shivam Dube have joined the squad.
Even though Rohit and Kohli will not be part of this series, the energy in the team remains high, and fans are excited to see fresh talent in action.
Conclusion
Rohit Sharma’s reply to the “old dog” comment was more than just a comeback — it was a message to fans, critics, and the cricketing world that he is far from finished. His leadership, form, and attitude continue to inspire millions. With performances like these, Rohit and Kohli have shown that experience only makes them stronger. As India looks ahead to future tournaments, their presence remains invaluable.
FAQs
What did Ravi Shastri say to Rohit and Kohli?
He jokingly called them “old dogs” while appreciating their strong performance.
How did Rohit Sharma respond?
Rohit calmly said they enjoy cricket and always start fresh, subtly shutting down retirement rumours.
Did India win the ODI series?
No, India lost the series 2–1 but won the final match with a dominating performance.
Who were the top performers in the final ODI?
Rohit Sharma scored a century, and Virat Kohli scored a crucial half-century.
When does the T20I series begin?
The T20I series against Australia begins on October 29.