“Why would he?” - AB de Villiers on Rohit Sharma’s refusal to retire from international cricket

Rohit Sharma won the Player of the Match in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final for his 76-run knock.

Following India’s exciting four-wicket victory against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, South Africa’s batting great AB de Villiers praised Rohit Sharma’s legacy as a batsman and captain.

The triumph added another feather to Rohit’s already spectacular cap and represented India’s third Champions Trophy title triumph. With the victory, Rohit also became the second-most successful Indian skipper in terms of ICC championships.

India won their second ICC championship under Rohit’s captaincy in less than nine months. They earlier won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, defeating South Africa in Bridgetown in June 2024. India’s lengthy ICC title drought, which began with their Champions Trophy victory in 2013 under MS Dhoni’s leadership, came to an end with that victory.

Following his most recent victory, Rohit put an end to rumors that he will not retire from ODI cricket, like he did from T20Is after winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados. The captain won Player of the Match award for scoring most runs with a game-winning 76 in the final.

“With that kind of record”—AB de Villiers says why Rohit Sharma would retire despite going great guns

Rohit Sharma’s bat was quiet for the tournament, but he came good in the summit clash when he stroked 76 in 83 balls and gave the Indian team a flying start. Seeing his exciting form, AB de Villiers stated that there is no need for Rohit Sharma to retire if he is in such great touch.

“Why would he retire? With that kind of record, not only as captain but also as a batter. That 76 in the final, gave India a fantastic start, laying the foundation for success, and leading from the front when the pressure was at its peak. Rohit Sharma has got no reason to retire. No reason to take any criticism whatsoever. His record speaks for itself,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

De Villiers also highlighted Rohit’s growth as a player over the years.

“If we have a look at his strike rate in the powerplay, it was quite low for an opening batter, but since 2022, his strike rate has risen to 115 in the first powerplay. That’s the difference between good and great. It’s transforming your own game—it never stops. You always have something to learn and something to do better,” he added.

AB de Villiers also pointed out the amazing win percentage of Rohit Sharma as India captain and said that he will go down as one of the best ODI captains of all time.

“Compared to other captains, look at Rohit’s win percentage—it’s almost 74%, which is substantially more than any other captain of the past. If he keeps going, he will go down as one of the best ODI captains of all time. Rohit has also said he is not retiring and has requested that rumors be stopped,” de Villiers concluded.

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