Rohit Sharma Turns 38: Indian Batting Stars still Good for a Few More Summers

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Rohit Sharma turned 38 today. The more the number of years he adds the more critics crave he quits cricket. No, that is not going to happen soon. On Wednesday, 'Mumbai Chaa Raja' was cutting a cake in Jaipur, with wife Ritika also present.

Now it is certain, Rohit will lead India in England where the important Test series will be held this summer. In addition, there is every reason to believe Rohit could well continue till the 2027 ODI World Cup, a format he rules.

When Rohit returned to India from Australia, there was suspense about whether he would continue playing cricket or retire. Given the unverified news that social media throws up almost hourly, Rohit retiring is fake news.

The first time Rohit had to deny he was "not going anywhere" was in the Sydney Test during the BGT Series Down Under when India were beaten black and blue. During the course of the Test, he went live on air and said he was not going away. On return to India, there were discussions with the BCCI, and he led in the Champions Trophy. Sure enough, he did his bit in the Dubai leg as India returned with the trophy.

Point to be noted, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma again mentioned in Dubai itself they were not retiring. Cut to the present, Rohit is enjoying batting in the IPL, even if it is as an Impact Player. The pace at which he scores runs and whacks the bowlers is a delight to watch.

For those who make a difference between white ball and red ball cricket, the sport is still the same. Is not Jasprit Bumrah back from a major injury and bowling so well in the IPL now. So Bumrah will be a main threat for England. Likewise, to think Rohit will fail in England is pessimism. He will lead, come what may.

At least, the BCCI has no such intentions of making a change. Given the workload management prescription for Bumrah, and how valuable he is as a player, Rohit will be the obvious choice to lead in England. He will be persisted with is message from the grapevine.

Rewind to the days when even Sachin Tendulkar was struggling to score runs, he retired at the age of 39. Sachin had given up the ODIs and in 2013, a special series had been arranged for him against the West Indies. In Rohit's case, he is still good for ODIs, Tests and, of course the IPL. He has himself said in interviews, he is ready to work harder on fitness and extend his career.

So, on his 38th birthday, as he enters 39, Rohit will hope the year ahead will be good. There may be a case for Rohit to also manage his workload and not play every series. In the IPL, there is this advantage he can play as an Impact Player. In Tests, he has to be a 100 per cent fit. And he knows it best. There is every reason to believe he will prepare a blueprint with the BCCI bosses. Don't forget, the skipper has good working relations with the people in the corridors of power.

As regards the ODI World Cup, Rohit will be able to stretch it if he feels he is in good shape. As of today, he is happy to be a playing member in the IPL for Mumbai Indians as the season peaks.