Former Indian keeper-batter and commentator Dinesh Karthik has opened up on the rumours surrounding Rohit Sharma’s retirement, stating that the Indian talismanic opening batter would go down as one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers.
Speaking exclusively on The Scoop by Wisden, Karthik has stated that Rohit has brought a different kind of attitude to Indian cricket, adding that he has created a lot of memories on and off the field.
“Irrespective of whenever he [Rohit] finishes, I do feel he’s been one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers. The kind of attitude he’s brought to the table, and the kind of memories he’s created on and off the field with so many players, is what will keep him smiling for the rest of his life,” he said.
“Right now, India is at a place where no other cricketing nation is. The number of cricketers that could fill up spots across the XI for any player is obviously the highest it has ever been, and it is definitely the highest right now among any cricketing nation,” he added.
“So, there is going to be pressure for every player involved, and that’s what makes playing for the country right now so much more difficult. As a selector as well, it’s not easy. If you’re sitting in Ajit Agarkar’s chair, to weigh the possibility of having a current superstar or one that could be a superstar in a few years, we’re talking about some of the greatest that have played the game,” he noted.
Furthermore, Karthik added that communication and clarity from the selection committee would be key. He went on to state that the senior batting duo would love to bid adieu to the game after winning the ODI World Cup next year.
“It will need a lot of communication, a lot of clarity, and it’s not easy. Then you have the players themselves, who are obviously making a mark with every game they play. In every tournament they go to, they perform so well, and it is not easy to keep them out,” he stated.
“But having said all of that, there is a way in which some of the seniors will want to finish, and I do wish they are given that opportunity because of what they’ve achieved for the country. But in saying that, it is not the easiest thing to achieve because sometimes not all fairy tales have a happy ending,” he concluded.
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