Rohit Sharma’s Cryptic ‘One Last Time’ Post Sparks Major Speculation About His Future
NEW DELHI: India’s celebrated batter and former captain, Rohit Sharma, ignited a storm of speculation across social media on Sunday after posting a cryptic message following the conclusion of the three-match ODI series against Australia Down Under. Despite India’s 1-2 series defeat, Sharma’s exceptional performance, which earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards in the final Sydney ODI, underscored his enduring class.
Sharing a poignant image of himself entering Sydney’s Airport, Rohit simply captioned it: "One last time, signing off from Sydney." This post immediately sparked widespread discussion, with many wondering if it signals his final appearance in Australia or a broader hint about the next chapter of his illustrious career.
Rohit’s masterclass performance in the third ODI was truly heroic. He notched an unbeaten 121 runs off just 125 balls, skillfully guiding India through a challenging 237-run chase. He was ably supported by Virat Kohli, who scored an unbeaten 74, as the duo forged an unbroken 168-run partnership. This innings marked Rohit’s remarkable 50th international century, comprising 12 in Tests, 33 in ODIs, and five in T20Is. This incredible feat makes him the only batter to achieve five or more centuries across all three formats. It was also his 33rd ODI ton, his ninth against Australia, and his sixth century on Australian soil as a visiting player, matching the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most hundreds by an Indian against Australia.
Reflecting on the series, Rohit commented, "It’s not going to be easy, the bowlers are quality. We couldn’t win the series, but we’ll take a lot of positives. It’s our job now to guide the younger players and pass on the right message."
His consistent form throughout the series was undeniable, accumulating 202 runs at an average of 101. This included a 73-run knock in Adelaide and a quiet eight at Perth, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability. He further stressed the significance of mentorship, adding, "Seniors helped us a lot when we started; now it’s our turn to guide the youngsters and stick to the basics."
Both Rohit and Kohli have notably stepped away from Test and T20I cricket, leaving their careers in ODIs as a focal point of speculation. Nevertheless, their collective synergy continues to shine brightly, as evidenced by Saturday’s innings which saved India from a potential series whitewash.
Rohit concluded his reflections by saying, "I love playing in Australia — great grounds, great crowd. I hope I continue to do what I do. These memories will always stay with me."